The Centre released the Terms of Reference for the 8th Central Pay Commission on 3 November, and according to Financial Express, the lack of clarity on when its recommendations will take effect has raised concerns among employees and pensioners about the government’s plan.
Pay commission recommendations usually follow a ten-year cycle, so with the 7th CPC ending on 31 December 2025, employees expected the 8th CPC to begin on 1 January 2026. The missing implementation date has therefore added to the growing uncertainty.
After the ToR was announced, employee bodies including AIDEF, CCGEW and BPS raised concerns in letters to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, pointing out gaps in the document and urging clarity on key issues they feel were ignored in the 8th CPC framework.
The Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS) said the ToR overlooks crucial pension issues. In its 17 November letter, the group asked the government to include the missing provisions and drop wording that portrays pensions as a financial burden, calling it inappropriate and misleading.
The BPS wants the 8th CPC to start from 1 January 2026 and include clear rules for revising pensions. It said the Supreme Court considers pensions a constitutional right, so they should not be viewed as a financial burden.
The organisation asked for a full review of the Old Pension Scheme, National Pension System and Unified Pension Scheme, pointing out that over 2.6mn employees have been seeking OPS restoration. It said the 8th CPC should propose a more secure pension structure.
On the other hand, the BPS also asked the government to ensure that autonomous bodies, statutory bodies and gramin dak sevaks are fully covered under the 8th CPC. It said GDS workers play an essential role in the postal system and must not be left out of future pay revisions.
The group asked the government to grant 20% interim relief to help employees manage inflation and the delay in pay revision. It also requested wider CGHS coverage, more district centres, cashless treatment and improvements recommended by Parliament to strengthen healthcare access.
AIDEF and CCGEW raised strong objections, saying the ToR sidelines nearly 69 lakh pensioners by keeping them out of key benefits. They asked the government to amend the document, stressing that several parts need urgent correction in the interest of employees and retirees.
