8th CPC: 8 key demands from nursing staff

The Nurses Welfare Association (NWA) representing nurses at central government hospitals across the country presented eight key demands to the 8th Pay Commission officials in Chandigarh on September 18, 2026.

Firstly, the NWA demanded an upgrade of the entry-level pay for nursing officers, specifically Level 10, to align with the Military Nursing Service. This recommendation stems from the upgraded eligibility criteria from GNM to B.Sc. Nursing and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's recommendations from 2016 and 2018.

Secondly, the NWA proposed the introduction of a dedicated night duty allowance for all nursing officials.

Thirdly, the association suggested the implementation of a risk and hardship allowance under the R1H1 matrix, recognizing the challenging nature of nursing jobs. This allowance would categorize the highest level of risk in a job as R1 and the most extreme hardship as H1.

Fourthly, the NWA urged the government to provide comprehensive term insurance and health insurance policies for healthcare workers, akin to the protections offered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fifthly, the NWA demanded the inclusion of Chandigarh in the A1 city (Tier 1) category based on the collective population of the tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). This would ensure fair House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Transport Allowance (TA) for staff in the region.

Sixthly, the association requested the continuation and enhancement of various allowances for nursing staff, including the nursing allowance, dress allowance, and special allowance, by tripling their current amounts.

Seventhly, the NWA recommended the continuation of the qualification allowance for nurses at the rate of two non-absorbable increments.

Lastly, the association called for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which was discontinued by the central government on December 31, 2003, and replaced by the National Pension System (NPS) on January 1, 2004.