Issues related to pay and allowances are typically reviewed and addressed by the Pay Commission, which is constituted every ten years to revise the salary structure and service conditions of government employees, including defence personnel. One long-standing issue pertains to the anomaly in pay fixation for re-employed ex-servicemen, specifically Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR), which has persisted since 1986.
This disparity was formally highlighted for the first time in 2015 by the Kolkata Re-Employed Exserviceman Welfare Association (KREWA) under the leadership of Bikash De. Following this initiative, the All India Re-employed Ex-servicemen Association (AIREXA) was formed to take up the cause on a national level. Responding to these efforts, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) prepared a draft policy to ensure a uniform pay fixation mechanism for all re-employed ex-servicemen, regardless of their previous rank. However, the implementation of this draft policy has been delayed due to bureaucratic red tape and is still awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Finance, specifically the Department of Expenditure.
Despite nearly a decade passing since the issue was officially raised, the proposed policy continues to remain stuck in procedural formalities, with no concrete resolution in sight. Given this prolonged delay, it has been strongly felt that the matter must be escalated to the upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) for thorough consideration and rectification.
In light of this, the concerned service associations, under the umbrella of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), have formally represented the issue to the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, urging its inclusion in the agenda of the 8th CPC. The core of the issue lies in ensuring fair and equitable treatment in pay fixation for all re-employed ex-servicemen, which not only acknowledges their previous military service but also brings uniformity and justice in their second innings in civilian roles. This summary aims to create broader awareness among stakeholders and the general public about the long-pending and legitimate concerns of the re-employed ex-servicemen community.
Equitable Pay Fixation for Reemployed Ex-Servicemen Below Commissioned Officer Rank in Central Civil Services
A critical issue concerning the discriminatory pay fixation of reemployed ex-servicemen—particularly those
from the Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), and Other Ranks (OR)
categories—remains unresolved and demands urgent attention from the 8th Central Pay Commission.
Current Disparity:
(a) Upon reemployment in Central Civil Services, ex-servicemen below commissioned officer rank are subjected to pay fixation at the minimum entry level of the post, equivalent to that of fresh recruits, regardless of their length of service, skills, or last pay drawn in the Armed Forces.
(b) In contrast, reemployed Commissioned Officers enjoy the benefit of having their civil pay fixed at a stage equivalent to their last military pay, thus ensuring continuity in compensation and recognition of their previous service. It is apparent to mention here that an amount equal to basic pension(after ignoring Rs 15,000/-) is reduced from pay so fixed (after allowing all kind of allowances). Yet, despite this deduction, the net pay of reemployed Commissioned Officers remains significantly higher than that granted to fresh recruits appointed to the same post. This clearly underscores the advantage of pay continuity and professional acknowledgement extended only to officers, while being denied to similarly deserving personnel below officer rank.
(c) Furthermore, it is observed that some Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Nationalised Banks adopt a fairer approach by considering the last pay drawn for all ex-servicemen, regardless of rank, during reemployment.
(d) This disparity is rooted in the CCS (Fixation of Pay of Reemployed Pensioners) Orders, 1986, issued by DoPT on 31.07.1986, which introduced rank-based pay fixation rules, replacing the more equitable pre1986 policy. The earlier system granted advance increments equal to the number of years of service rendered in the Armed Forces, and ignored the full pension amount while fixing pay for non-officer ranks. Implications:
(i) This rank-based disparity has created widespread dissatisfaction and resentment among reemployed ex-servicemen below commissioned ranks.
(ii) Fixing their pay at the entry level fails to recognise their valuable defence experience, discipline, and skills acquired over years of service.
(iii) It does not account for the increased social and financial responsibilities borne by these personnel, especially considering their age and family liabilities at the time of reemployment.
Demand for Reform:
In light of the above, the following is strongly proposed:
(a) Amend the CCS (Fixation of Pay of Reemployed Pensioners) Orders, 1986 to eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure uniform treatment for all reemployed ex-servicemen, irrespective of rank.
(b) Introduce a standardised pay fixation methodology based on:
(i) The last pay drawn in the Armed Forces (before pension deduction),
(ii) The length of service rendered, and
(iii) The age and social responsibilities at the time of reemployment.
(c) Restore elements from the pre-1986 policy, such as granting advance increments equivalent to completed years of Armed Forces service, particularly for non-commissioned personnel.
Reemployed ex-servicemen from below officer ranks have served the nation with loyalty, courage, and discipline. It is
only just and logical that their previous service and pay history be honoured in civil employment as well. The 8th CPC
must take cognizance of this long-pending issue and recommend a uniform, fair, and dignified pay fixation policy for
all reemployed ex-servicemen, reinforcing the principles of equality, respect, and national gratitude.
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