Grant special pay commission to armed forces, ex-servicemen body urges Central Govt

In a formal appeal to the Central Government, Captain Jagdish Verma (retd), chairman of the United Front of Ex-Servicemen (JCOs & OR), has submitted a letter, seeking the inclusion of defence forces as a special category in the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). The letter, addressed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlights the need for a separate and more appropriate consideration of armed forces personnel in pay and benefits in light of their unique service conditions and sacrifices.

The representation, titled ‘Request for inclusion of Defence Forces in the 8th Central Pay Commission as a special category’, outlines the distinct challenges faced by armed forces personnel, including hazardous duties, prolonged family separations and constant readiness for national security missions.

Captain Jagdish Verma (retd), chairman of the United Front of Ex-Servicemen (JCOs & OR) HP, said the military’s role was different from that of civilian government employees. With duties often involving life-threatening risks, military personnel faced dangers that most other public servants did not, he said.

“Soldiers endure long stretches away from their families, frequently being posted in harsh and remote areas, affecting their mental well-being and family life,” he added.

He further said the letter called for specialised allowances and benefits, stressing that a generalised pay structure did not reflect the ground realities of military service.

Capt Verma argues that the current model of clubbing defence personnel with civilian counterparts under the same pay commission structure overlooks the extraordinary nature of military service. He insists that treating armed forces as a “special category” within the 8th CPC framework would be both a symbolic and practical recognition of their role in national security.