8th Pay Commission: The National Joint Consultative Mechanism (Staff Side) – NC JCM, representing central government employees and pensioners, has intensified the demand for making public the Terms of Reference (ToR) related to the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission. In this regard, Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary, NC JCM has written a formal letter to the Cabinet Secretary on 18 June 2025.

The letter states that the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (DoPT) conveyed in January this year that the Government of India has decided to constitute the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) and that the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the said Commission are currently under finalisation. Accordingly, the views and suggestions of the Staff Side of the National Council (JCM) were invited and have been duly submitted to the DoPT for consideration, it said.

Till now, neither the terms of the commission have been finalised nor any formal announcement has been made, the Staff Side of NC-JCM said. This has created an atmosphere of great confusion and apprehension among the employees and pensioners, it added.

Also read: 8th Pay Commission: Know how much your salary may increase under new fitment factor

“In the absence of clear and timely communication, apprehensions are growing among employees about the credibility of the announcement regarding the setting up of the 8th CPC. Many fear whether this move is a genuine administrative initiative or otherwise.”

Moreover, serious concern has also arisen among central government pensioners, particularly because of the notification of finance bill, wherein it has been stated that the government retains discretion over whether or not to extend the benefit of pay fixation under the 8th CPC to pensioners, the letter said, adding that this has led to a growing sense of insecurity and resentment among retired personnel, who have every expectation of being treated equitably alongside serving employees.

Serious concerns are being raised about pensioners

The letter specifically raises concerns that recently in the Budget Act (Finance Bill) it was mentioned that the government will have the discretion to give or not give the benefit of pay revision to pensioners. This has deepened the fear among retired employees that they may be deprived of the benefits of the 8th Pay Commission.

Shiv Gopal Mishra has also written in the letter that if the government does not issue clear guidelines soon, it will not only affect the morale of the employees, but can also create an atmosphere of distrust about the intentions of the government.

Main demands of NC JCM:

The ToR (conditions) of the 8th Pay Commission should be made public soon, so that rumors can be stopped and transparency and trust is restored among the employees.

It should be made clear that pensioners will also get the full benefit of pay fixation and revision, so that equality and fairness can be ensured.

The 8th Pay Commission Committee should be constituted soon, so that the work can start and the recommendations can come on time.

Also read: 8th Pay Commission: Central govt employees have to wait over 2 years for revised salaries? Here’s what the delay suggests

What is the 8th Pay Commission and why is it important?

The Central Government in India constitutes a Pay Commission every 10 years, which reviews the salaries, allowances and service conditions of central government employees and pensioners and makes recommendations. The 7th Pay Commission came into effect from January 2016, and now the next Pay Commission is likely to be implemented from 2026. But if it is not constituted on time, the employees may have to remain deprived of the new pay scale for a long time.

There are about 50 lakh central employees and more than 65 lakh pensioners in the country. In such a situation, the recommendations of the Pay Commission have a profound impact on the standard of living of these families.

Summing up…

Both employees and pensioners are worried about the official announcement of the 8th Pay Commission and the uncertainty surrounding its terms. The demands raised by the NC JCM reflect the sentiments of a wide section. Now it remains to be seen whether the government takes positive initiative on this issue soon or the situation of confusion deepens further.