• Major changes in scheme in 8th Pay Commission?


• Why is the issue of CGHS important?


• What could be the possible changes?

8th Pay Commission Latest News: Central government employees are awaiting the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission. The Pay Commission recommendations are expected to be implemented in 18 to 20 months. Before that, the process of submitting a list of demands to the Pay Commission is underway. One such demand relates to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Considered to be the primary health security support for central government employees and pensioners, the scheme is expected to undergo significant changes.

What changes might occur?

In fact, employees in cities not covered by the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) currently get a monthly allowance of 11,000. However, the National Council (Staff Side), NC-JCM met on 25 February 2026 and demanded a change. The employee unions have demanded an increase of up to ₹20,000 per month.

Why is the issue of CGHS important?

Under CGHS, government employees, pensioners and their dependents get cashless treatment, outpatient consultation, medicines and diagnostic services at panel hospitals. Over the past few years, package rates, cost of expensive drugs and super specialty treatments in private hospitals have increased exponentially. Since the Eighth Pay Commission has established a pay structure in line with inflation and actual costs, changes in health cover limits and contribution amounts are considered natural.

What could be the possible changes?

Currently CGHS contribution is determined from the pay scale. The staff unions are demanding to increase the number of hospitals covered by the panel and to revise the package rates from time to time. Therefore, it can also be considered to increase the scope of health benefits. CGHS card, online appointment and e-referral system has been felt for a long time to make it easy and convenient. The recommendations of the new pay commission may include a roadmap for administrative reforms and technological reforms. Extending coverage for chronic diseases, telemedicine facilities for old age pensioners is also a major issue. A model can be developed for this.

Last year, the government had announced the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission. A committee was constituted for this purpose in November. Pay Commission launched a website in February 2026. The Pay Commission has requested stakeholders to respond to queries posted on its website.