8th Pay Commission- The wait for the formal formation of the 8th Pay Commission is getting longer. It was expected that some update would be available in May or June 2025, but no announcement has been made regarding this yet. The delay in setting the terms of reference of this commission and the appointment of its chairman and members is creating an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty among the central government pensioners.
In such a situation, Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS) has written a letter to the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) demanding immediate action. BPS is one of the oldest and largest associations representing pensioners and senior citizens across the country. The letter sent to the Finance Minister and DoPT Secretary states that the lack of further progress, especially the non-finalisation of the terms of reference and the lack of announcements regarding the chairman and members of the commission, has given rise to growing uneasiness.
The prolonged delay is giving rise to rumours, speculation and misunderstandings, causing anxiety and uncertainty among government pensioners. The letter further said, ‘Given the gravity of the situation, we humbly request your good offices to please take necessary steps for early finalisation of the Terms of Reference, early appointment of Chairman and Members of the 8th Pay Commission, and ensuring representation of pensioners in the Commission.’
BPS has also written that clear and timely communication will not only dispel rumors and reassure stakeholders, but will also facilitate the smooth and effective functioning of the Commission so that it can give its recommendations on time. Earlier also, many employee unions had expressed concern over the delay in the 8th Pay Commission and appealed to the government to expedite the process.
The Union Cabinet approved the 8th Pay Commission on 16 January 2025. This is sure to bring changes in the salary of central government employees as well as the pension of pensioners. About 50 lakh central government employees and about 65 lakh pensioners will benefit. The estimated number of civilian employees of the central government was 36.57 lakh as on 1 March 2025 and the estimated number of pensioners/family pensioners was 33.91 lakh as on 31 December 2024.
It was expected that the government would decide the terms of reference of the 8th Pay Commission by April and appoint the chairman and members and direct the commission to start work. This is so that the panel can submit its report by mid-2026 and after that the process of revision of salary and pension of central employees can start. The recommendations of the commission were expected to be implemented from January 2026. Now half of June has also passed and there is no progress regarding the 8th Pay Commission yet. In such a situation, the possibility of its recommendations being implemented from January 2026 has reduced.