Central Govt Employees

CDRA Urges Cabinet Secretary to Implement Supreme Court Verdict on NFU 5400, Seeks Office Superintendent Pay Parity

New Delhi | July 23, 2026

The Confederation of Defence Recognised Associations (CDRA) has submitted a detailed representation to the Cabinet Secretary and Chairman of the National Council (JCM), demanding immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's judgment granting Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU) to Grade Pay ₹5400 after four years of regular service in Grade Pay ₹4800. The association has also raised the long-pending Office Superintendent (OS) pay parity issue with CSSS, AFHQS, and other similarly placed cadres.

CDRA Seeks Uniform Implementation of Court Judgments

In its representation dated 22 July 2026, CDRA stated that the legal position on NFU has already been settled through a series of judicial pronouncements, including the Supreme Court's decision in SLP (C) No. 11595/2023 dated 1 April 2026. The association argued that similarly placed Central Government employees should receive the benefit automatically, without being forced to approach courts individually.

CDRA also referred to the assurance given by the Cabinet Secretary during the National Council (JCM) meeting held on 11 May 2026, where extending the benefits of settled court judgments to similarly placed employees was discussed as a way to avoid unnecessary litigation.

Kerala High Court Strengthens Employees' Case

The representation highlights the Kerala High Court judgment dated 13 July 2026 (OP-CAT No. 94/2026), which dismissed the Union Government's challenge and observed that denying benefits to similarly situated employees would violate Article 14 of the Constitution. The Court also held that executive clarifications cannot override the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission or the law declared by the Supreme Court.

Concern Over Department of Expenditure's Stand

CDRA expressed concern over the Department of Expenditure's communication dated 18 June 2026, stating that it appears inconsistent with the spirit of discussions held during the National Council (JCM) meeting. The association argued that instead of continuing litigation, the Government should formulate a uniform policy to implement settled judicial decisions across all Ministries and Departments.

Office Superintendent Pay Parity Issue Raised

Apart from NFU, CDRA has also sought resolution of the long-pending Office Superintendent (OS) pay parity issue. The association referred to the Delhi High Court judgment dated 28 April 2026, which held that benefits of an earlier judgment should extend to all similarly situated Office Superintendents, including those serving in erstwhile Ordnance Factories and OFB Headquarters.

According to CDRA, while pay parity has already been extended to comparable categories in some Defence organisations, similarly placed Office Superintendents in field establishments continue to be denied identical benefits despite performing comparable duties.

Key Demands Made by CDRA

• Implement the Supreme Court judgment granting NFU to Grade Pay ₹5400 after four years in Grade Pay ₹4800.
• Extend the benefit to all similarly placed employees and pensioners without requiring individual litigation.
• Issue Government-wide instructions for uniform implementation across Ministries and Departments.
• Direct the Department of Expenditure to review its present stand in light of recent court judgments.
• Resolve the Office Superintendent pay parity issue with CSSS/AFHQS and extend similar benefits to eligible employees.
• End repetitive litigation by adopting a comprehensive policy applicable across the Central Government.

What It Means for Central Government Employees

If the Government accepts CDRA's representation, thousands of Defence Civilian and other similarly placed Central Government employees could receive NFU and pay parity benefits without having to file individual court cases. Such a move would reduce litigation, ensure administrative uniformity, and uphold the constitutional principle of equality before law.