8th Pay Commission: Nurses Seek Level 10 Pay, Night Duty Allowance, Risk Insurance and OPS Restoration
8th Pay Commission: Nurses Seek Level 10 Pay, Night Duty Allowance, Risk Insurance and OPS Restoration
Nurses Welfare Association places 8 major demands before the 8th CPC in Chandigarh — from entry pay to pension reform.
The 8th Pay Commission has received a set of major demands from nursing personnel working in central government hospitals, covering salary structure, night-duty compensation, risk allowances, insurance protection, city classification, qualification benefits and pension.
The Nurses Welfare Association (NWA) presented its demands before officials of the 8th Central Pay Commission during a meeting in Chandigarh on September 18, 2026. The demands include Level 10 entry-level pay for Nursing Officers, a dedicated Night Duty Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, comprehensive insurance coverage and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
8th Pay Commission Nurses Demands: At a Glance
| No. | Demand | What Nurses Are Seeking |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entry-level Pay | Level 10 for Nursing Officers |
| 2 | Night Duty Allowance | Dedicated allowance for night shifts |
| 3 | Risk & Hardship Allowance | Allowance under R1H1 matrix |
| 4 | Insurance | Term and health insurance coverage |
| 5 | Chandigarh Classification | A1/Tier-1 classification |
| 6 | Existing Allowances | Three-fold increase in nursing, dress and special allowances |
| 7 | Qualification Allowance | Two non-absorbable increments |
| 8 | Pension | Restoration of Old Pension Scheme |
1Level 10 Entry-Level Pay for Nursing Officers
One of the major demands is the upgradation of the entry-level pay of Nursing Officers to Level 10.
The NWA has sought parity with the Military Nursing Service (MNS) and linked the demand to changes in educational qualifications and the responsibilities performed by nursing personnel.
According to the association, eligibility requirements have evolved from GNM-level qualifications towards B.Sc. Nursing, while the responsibilities of nursing personnel have also expanded.
The association has referred to recommendations made by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare through communications dated August 1, 2016 and March 16, 2018, concerning the pay status of nursing officers.
If accepted, the demand would affect the starting pay structure of eligible Nursing Officers. However, the final pay level would depend on the recommendations and subsequent government decisions.
2Dedicated Night Duty Allowance
Nursing is a round-the-clock profession, with personnel routinely working during night hours. The NWA has therefore demanded a separate Night Duty Allowance for nursing personnel.
The association's demand is intended to provide additional compensation for employees working night shifts and irregular duty schedules, particularly relevant to nurses in hospitals where patient care continues throughout the day and night.
3Risk and Hardship Allowance Under R1H1
The NWA has sought a Risk and Hardship Allowance under the R1H1 matrix, citing the nature of nursing work and exposure to health-related occupational risks. The R1H1 classification is cited by the association as the highest category of risk and environmental hardship in its demand.
If considered, the proposal could create a specific compensation framework for nursing personnel whose duties involve occupational hazards and demanding working conditions.
4Comprehensive Term and Health Insurance
Nurses and other healthcare workers can face occupational exposure to infectious diseases and other workplace risks. The NWA has therefore requested comprehensive term insurance and health insurance coverage for nursing personnel.
The association has referred to the insurance protection and support provided during the COVID-19 pandemic as a model for enhanced protection of healthcare workers, seeking broader financial protection for employees and their families in the event of serious illness, occupational risks or death.
5Chandigarh to Be Classified as an A1/Tier-1 City
The NWA has proposed treating Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula as a single Tricity population zone and has sought A1/Tier-1 classification for Chandigarh. The stated objective is to improve the applicable House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Transport Allowance (TA) for employees posted in the region.
6Three-Fold Increase in Nursing, Dress and Special Allowances
The association has requested that the existing Nursing Allowance, Dress Allowance and Special Allowance be retained and that their current rates be increased three times, to compensate employees for professional requirements and specific expenses associated with nursing duties.
7Continuation of Qualification Allowance
The NWA has sought continuation of the Qualification Allowance at a rate equivalent to two non-absorbable increments. The proposal is aimed at recognising higher professional qualifications and encouraging continued professional development among nursing personnel.
The term "non-absorbable increments" is significant because such benefits are intended to provide a separate financial advantage rather than being absorbed into subsequent pay progression.
8Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme
The NWA has sought replacement of the current retirement framework with OPS for the nursing personnel covered by its demand.
The original OPS for central government employees was discontinued for new recruits from January 1, 2004, following the transition to the National Pension System (NPS). The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) was introduced as an alternative framework under the NPS architecture from April 1, 2025. The demand for restoration of OPS therefore represents a request for a different pension structure from the existing arrangements.
8th Pay Commission and Nurses: What Happens Next?
The submission of these demands does not mean the benefits have been approved. The 8th Pay Commission is currently in the consultation process, during which employee associations, pensioner organisations and other stakeholders are presenting their demands and suggestions.
The Commission will examine the representations received and eventually make its recommendations. The final implementation will depend on the government's decisions on those recommendations.
Therefore, claims that nurses have already received Level 10 pay, higher night allowance, R1H1 risk allowance or OPS restoration would be incorrect at this stage.
What Could These Demands Mean for Nursing Staff?
If the proposals are considered favourably, they could affect several components of the compensation package of nursing personnel, including:
- Entry-level basic pay
- Night-duty compensation
- Risk and hardship benefits
- Health and life insurance protection
- HRA and Transport Allowance in Chandigarh
- Nursing and dress allowances
- Qualification-related financial benefits
- Retirement and pension arrangements
However, the financial impact cannot be calculated until the Pay Commission makes specific recommendations and the government takes a final decision.
FAQs: 8th Pay Commission Nurses Demands
What are the major demands of nurses before the 8th Pay Commission?
The major demands include Level 10 entry-level pay, Night Duty Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, comprehensive insurance, A1 classification for Chandigarh, higher nursing-related allowances, qualification allowance and restoration of OPS.
Have nurses been granted Level 10 pay under the 8th Pay Commission?
No. Level 10 entry-level pay is a demand submitted by the Nurses Welfare Association. It has not been established as an approved 8th Pay Commission benefit.
What is the demand regarding Night Duty Allowance?
The NWA has requested a dedicated Night Duty Allowance for nursing personnel to compensate for night-shift duties.
What is the R1H1 risk allowance demand?
The association has requested Risk and Hardship Allowance under the R1H1 matrix, citing the demanding and potentially hazardous nature of nursing duties.
Are nurses demanding OPS restoration?
Yes. Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme is one of the eight demands submitted by the NWA.
Are these demands applicable to all government nurses?
The reported submission was made by the Nurses Welfare Association representing nurses in central government hospitals. The scope and applicability of any eventual recommendation would depend on the final decisions of the competent authorities.
Conclusion
The latest submission by the Nurses Welfare Association adds another set of employee-specific demands to the ongoing 8th Pay Commission consultation process. From Level 10 entry-level pay and Night Duty Allowance to risk compensation, insurance protection and pension reform, the proposals cover both salary-related and service-related issues.
The key point for central government employees and nursing personnel is that these are demands under consideration, not final 8th Pay Commission decisions. The next important stage will be the Commission's recommendations and the government's decision on their implementation.
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