8th Central Pay Commission: Employees and pensioners demand revisions

The 8th Central Pay Commission is currently in a consultation phase, engaging with central government employees, pensioners, and various stakeholders. The commission's decisions are expected to impact approximately 11.5 million people, including 5 million employees and 6.5 million pensioners across the railway, defense, and retired sectors.

Employee unions and pensioner organizations, such as Bharat Pensioners Samaj and the All India Defence Employees' Federation, have submitted several demands to the government. Key requests include a higher fitment factor—with demands ranging from 1.83 to 3.83—a minimum basic pay of ₹69,000, and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Pensioner groups are specifically advocating for changes to the commission's Terms of Reference (ToR). They argue the current guidelines lack clarity regarding pension revisions for senior citizens and those retiring before January 1, 2026. Additionally, unions have requested the removal of the phrase ‘unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes’ from the ToR, asserting that pensions are a legal right rather than a financial burden on the state.

The final report's submission timeline remains dependent on the completion of data collection, stakeholder consultations, and the assessment of financial implications.