You are with ESM Info Club Blog, and I am Bikash De, bringing you the latest updates on the pay fixation status of reemployed Ex-Servicemen (JCOs/OR).

As you’re aware, following the implementation of the CCS (Revised Pay) – Fixation of Pay of Reemployed Pensioners Orders, 1986, vide DoPT OM dated 31.07.1986, a major disparity was introduced. Under these guidelines, Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks (OR) who retire before the age of 55 are not entitled to any pay fixation benefits based on their previous Armed Forces service. Their pay, upon reemployment in Central Civil Services, is fixed at the minimum/basic entry-level pay of the post, just like a fresh recruit. (Reference: Para 4(b) of DoPT OM dated 31.07.1986).

On the other hand, Commissioned Officers, when reemployed in Central Government services, are allowed to have their pay fixed at the last pay drawn before retirement, after deducting the pension amount—excluding an ignorable portion. Initially, this ignorable amount was Rs. 500 (as per 1986 OM), later revised to Rs. 4,000 in the 6th CPC, and Rs. 15,000 in the 7th CPC. All allowances such as DA, HRA, etc., are calculated on this revised pay, and only then is the pension amount deducted.

This has led to a huge financial gap, where reemployed Commissioned Officers are enjoying substantial benefits, while JCOs/ORs suffer significant financial loss every month. This serious disparity has been brought to the attention of the DoPT, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Finance (Department of Expenditure).

Veterans groups and associations have actively taken up this matter with the authorities through various platforms. After multiple meetings and representations, the DoPT has acknowledged the presence of discrimination and policy bias, adversely affecting the reemployed JCOs/OR community.

Additionally, Para 16 of the 1986 DoPT Order outlines a provision for combatant clerks, reemployed as LDCs or in equivalent clerical posts. It states that their pay will be fixed with advance increments equal to their years of military service. With advance increment, from the pay so arrived their entire pension equal amount will be deducted every month and only Rs. 15/- of pension is ignored in this case. This ignorable portion, fixed in 1986, has never been revised, unlike the officers’ category. As a result, many reemployed clerks find themselves financially worse off even after fixation.

In contrast, the ignorable pension portion for Commissioned Officers has seen significant upward revision over the years—from Rs. 500 to Rs. 15,000—showing clear and persistent policy-level discrimination against JCOs/ORs and clerical ranks.

Recently, the Department of Posts sought clarification, and it was confirmed that pay fixation benefits as per Para 16 of the 1986 order are applicable to reemployed combatant clerks in the PA cadre. However, no mention was made about any revision of the ignorable pension portion, which continues to cause adverse financial effects.

Some ex-servicemen are under the mistaken belief that their entire pension will be ignored under pay fixation—but as of now, no such policy exists for combatant clerk JCOs/ORs.

On a hopeful note, the DoPT has drafted a proposal for a uniform pay fixation policy applicable to all reemployed pensioners, regardless of rank. This proposal is currently pending with the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, and has been under consideration for the last 8 years. Several objections have been raised, including concerns that a uniform policy may lead to an increased rate of premature retirement from the Armed Forces, affecting operational strength.

However, it’s important to note that prior to 1986, pay fixation policies were uniform across all ranks, and advance increment benefits were granted to everyone. In fact, statistics reveal that premature retirements have increased by 83% since 1986—indicating that this trend has more to do with career prospects, work environment, and organisational hierarchy rather than pay fixation benefits.

Thousands of reemployed ex-servicemen from the JCO/OR community are demanding their legitimate constitutional rights under Article 14 (Equality before law), and calling for the removal of this systemic disparity through policy amendments.

Let us all stay united in this fight for justice and continue to hope that our voices will be heard at the highest levels.

Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!