The Modi government made a major announcement for central employees and pensioners in early 2025. The formation of the 8th Pay Commission was announced on January 16, 2025. This news brought relief to millions of employees and pensioners, but now September is about to end, and there has still been no formal notification, terms of reference (ToR), or appointment of members. This raises serious questions about whether central employees and pensioners will have to wait until 2028 for a salary and pension increase this time.
Why is the implementation of the Pay Commission delayed
Indeed, a look at the pattern of the previous two Pay Commissions (6th and 7th) reveals that it takes approximately 2 to 3 years from the formation of a panel to the preparation of a report and then government approval. If the same pattern is repeated this time, the report will only be available by 2027, after which the approval and implementation process will begin. Therefore, waiting until 2028 is almost certain.
Time Record of Previous Pay Commissions
6th Pay Commission
It was constituted in October 2006. The report was submitted in March 2008, and the government approved it in August 2008. However, it was implemented retrospectively, from January 1, 2006. It took approximately 22-24 months from its formation to implementation.
7th Pay Commission
It was constituted in February 2014, and the ToR was finalized by March 2014. The report was submitted in November 2015, and the government approved it in June 2016. It came into effect from January 1, 2016. In total, it took approximately 33 months, or over two and a half years.
Current Updates on the 8th Pay Commission and Possible Timeline
The formation of the 8th Pay Commission was announced in January this year, but the ToR or the names of the panel members have not yet been revealed. This means that the formal process has not even begun. Even if the Commission is formed in the coming months and the report takes two years to prepare, it will only be ready by 2027. The government will then need time for consideration, revision, and approval. This is why its implementation is more likely to take place by 2028.
However, even if the report is implemented late, its effect will be retrospective, from January 1, 2026, and employees will receive their full arrears. It is important to note that the Pay Commission is not limited to salary increases; it directly impacts allowances, pensions, and the financial security of employees. Employees and pensioners need this most at a time of rising inflation, so everyone wants work to begin as soon as possible.
Experts believe that if the pattern follows the 7th Commission, the report and approval will take time. Given the current delay, it could wait until 2028. More than 12 million employees and pensioners across the country are eagerly awaiting this commission.