The central government may have indicated at the beginning of the year about the 8th Pay Commission, but no official announcement has been made so far. This has created an atmosphere of doubt and anxiety between more than 50 lakh central employees and more than 65 lakh pensioners across the country.

Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary, NC-JCM (National Council-Joint Consultative Mechanism), wrote a letter to the Cabinet Secretary on 18 June 2025, saying that the government should now make the terms of Terms of Reference (Tor) i.e. Commission’s functioning.

Government announcement, but no formal order

According to a report published on Financial Express, Shiv Gopal Mishra said in his letter that in January 2025, the Ministry of Personnel (DOPT) had informed that the government has decided to set up the 8th Pay Commission and its conditions are being finalized. Also, suggestions were also sought from the representatives of the employees, which were given on time. But so far neither TOR has been released, nor has any official notification of the formation of the commission. Due to this silence, the apprehension among employees and pensioners is increasing.

Skepticism on pension not just salary

The biggest concern is about retired employees (pensioners). It has also been mentioned in the letter that in the recent Finance Bill, it has been said that if the government wants the benefits of the Pay Commission or not to the pensioners, it will be completely dependent on the government’s discretion. Due to this, a sense of resentment and insecurity among 65 lakh pensioners has started to flourish. They want that just as the employees engaged in service will get salary amendment, they should also get equal benefits.

Three major demands of employee organizations

Tor should be made public: so that rumors stop and remain confident in employees.

Pensioners get equal rights: Both employees and pensioners should get the benefit of salary amendment.

The commission should be formed soon: so that the report can come on time and can be implemented before 2026.

What is the Pay Commission and why is it necessary?

The Government of India formulates the pay commission every 10 years, which reviews the salary, allowances and service conditions of central employees and pensioners. After this, he gives recommendations to the government, by implementing the government changes in salary.

The 7th Pay Commission came into force in January 2016. Now the 8th Pay Commission is likely to be implemented in 2026. But if the commission is not formed on time, then employees can be deprived of new pay scale for a long period.

Is the government withdrawing from its promise?

According to NC-JCM, due to no clarity from the government, the employees are afraid that the 8th Pay Commission does not become just a political statement. Shiv Gopal Mishra clearly says that if the government does not give clear guidelines soon, it will not only weaken the morale, but will also raise questions on the intention of the government.

After all, what will be the effect?

This uncertainty will affect not only the government employees, but also on their families, the ability to spend and the country’s consumer economy. When millions of employees and pensioners have doubts about their future, then everything from market to morale is affected.

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Around 1 crore employees and pensioners of the central government across the country are currently waiting for the announcement of the 8th Pay Commission. Through this commission, a big change in their salary, pension and allowances will be decided. But the biggest question is whether this commission will be implemented from January 2026?

Deadline of January 2026 can be missed

According to a report by The Economic Times, the start of the 8th Pay Commission can be postponed from the scheduled time. Actually, the 7th Pay Commission was made in February 2014, but its recommendations were implemented in January 2016. Now even by June 2025, if the Terms of Reference (Tor) of the new Commission means the rights and directions have not been decided, then the possibility of its implementation by January 2026 is very less visible. According to the report, its implementation may probably move by the end of 2026 or by the beginning of 2027.

What changes in salary structure is possible?

In the pay commissions so far, the government has adopted many different ways to fix salary. The 6th Pay Commission started pay-band and grade pay, which made the salary system a little easier. The 7th Pay Commission changed the game again. In this, a 24-level pay matrix was introduced, so that the salary of every level is fixed in a special way. In this, fitment factor 2.57 was kept, which is the mainstay of increase in basic salary.

What is being expected from the 8th Pay Commission?

Although no official information has been revealed by the government yet, the experts believe that the fitment factor can be between 2.5 and 2.8. This will mean that the existing basic pay will be increased by the same ratio. But until the commission is formed, it will be just speculation to say anything.

Employees will have to wait and wait?

In such a situation, when the 8th Pay Commission is not ready till the outline, it seems difficult to implement from January 2026. There has been no concrete update from the government, but the discussion is that the demands of employee organizations and pensioners are constantly reaching the government. Now it will have to be seen when the government takes the next step in this direction.

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