For central government employees and pensioners, now is a time for rejoicing-the 8th Pay Commission will indeed be implemented and not delayed until 2027. According to the government, talks have been growing increasingly intense, and an official declaration can be expected anytime soon. The implementation is expected in 2026, benefiting over 1 crore central staff for the first time after a long wait.
GENC Meets Minister: Important Demands Raised
A delegation from the Government Employees National Confederation (GENC) met Union Minister Jitendra Singh in mid-May, presenting him with a detailed memorandum containing demands, including:
Establishment Of The 8th Pay Commission
Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and scrapping of NPS/UPS
- Reinstatement of DA arrears frozen during COVID
- Increase in compassionate appointment quotas
- Relaxation of residency norms for promotions
- Revamp pay fixation in faster mode for ex-servicemen and absoption[absorption] of service rendered
- Improvement in health benefits and rationalization of leave rules.
Government’s Response: Mixed but Clear
Minister assured GENC of having a serious government towards the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission and active consultations being undertaken with state governments. The formal announcement and formation of the committee are to be expected maybe before Diwali. There was also a confirmation of a meeting with the Pension Secretary on the restoration of OPS but presently, DA arrears cannot be taken up. Perhaps, rules relating to compassionate appointments and criteria for promotions could be reviewed by the new commission.
What Is At Stake with The 8th Pay Commission?
Once in every ten years, the new Pay Commission thus implies an entirely new salary structure and revisions in pensions. Such would mean:
- Huge increases in basic pay
- Recalculation of Dearness Allowance and allowances
- Renewing tenure for pension or retirement benefits
- For many employees, it is almost equivalent to a financial reset against inflation and cost of living adjustments.
Also Read: Big EPFO Rule Change 2025: Pension Benefits With Just 1 Month Of Work