The 8th CPC will impact 11.3 million employees and pensioners. The challenge: Balance welfare with long-term fiscal sustainability
Demands to raise the standard consumption norm don’t reflect shrinking households. Current wages already outpace private-sector pay
High wages and job security attract overqualified applicants to low-skilled jobs, underutilising India’s skilled youth
With 1 in 4 posts vacant, the Centre is turning to contracts. The wage bill is rising, even as permanent hiring stalls
The CPC must link raises to performance. Inflation is already covered via DA hikes; salary hikes must reflect merit and efficiency
Pay structures should attract talent and foster accountability—without undermining fiscal discipline across states and the Centre