Months After Approval, 8th Pay Commission Still Leaves Employees Waiting

New Delhi, October 2025:
Over eight months have passed since the Union Government announced the creation of the Eighth Central Pay Commission (8th CPC) — a decision that had raised hopes among more than 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners. Yet, there has been hardly any concrete progress since then. The commission, which was expected to begin work soon after its approval, remains only a proposal on paper. So far, no chairman or members have been appointed, and even the Terms of Reference (ToR) — the document that outlines its duties and scope — is still awaiting finalization.

A Long Wait After High Exceptions

After waiting years for a salary revision, employees were optimistic when the 8th CPC was announced on January 16, 2025, following the 7th Pay Commission. But over time, their excitement has turned into concern.

• The delay is mainly due to ongoing debates over the ToR, without which the commission cannot begin its work.

• The entire pay revision process remains on hold until these details are finalized.

• Employee morale and daily budgeting are being impacted by rising costs and stagnant compensation.

• Individuals who are getting closer to retirement are particularly worried since they expected better pension benefits prior to leaving the military.

This prolonged uncertainty has not only affected financial planning but has also lowered confidence among government workers.

Source: Department of Expenditure – Pay Commissions

Lessons from the 7th Pay Commission

After the 2013 unveiling of the 7th CPC, which was carried out much more swiftly, high expectations were raised for the replacement.

• The chairman and ToR were finalized quickly after announcement.

• The report was submitted by late 2015.

• Millions of workers benefited from the 2016 implementation of the new pay scales.

In comparison, experts predict:

• Probably, the eighth CPC report won't be out until late 2026 or early 2027.

• According to experts, it may be until 2028 before employees see any real pay adjustments.

• Employees and retirees are now concerned about daily expenses and healthcare due to rising inflation.

Reference: 7th Pay Commission Report Archive

Growing Frustration Among Employees and Pensioners

Discontent among staff associations and unions has been steadily increasing.

• Unions blame delays and poor communication for growing distrust.

• Lawmakers’ salaries are often revised quickly, while employees continue to wait.

• Certain Finance Act 2025 clauses add uncertainty for retirees.

Union leaders aren't just complaining about the money; they're arguing that these constant delays chip away at the very ideals of public service—fairness and equality.

They insist that the government must stop leaving employees in the dark. To earn back the workforce's trust, the government needs to start giving regular updates and acting with total honesty about the process.

More Details: Ministry of Finance – Pay Commission Updates

The Need for Action and the Path Ahead

Experts think a number of related problems are to blame for the delay:

• Economic caution due to the high fiscal cost of pay revisions.

• Political considerations in selecting the commission’s chairperson.

• The broader impact on state governments and public-sector undertakings.

Employee unions continue to urge the government to act quickly:

• Finalize the ToR and commission appointments without further delay.

• Ensure pay scales keep up with inflation.

• Provide clarity to reduce uncertainty for workers and pensioners.

Until the 8th CPC begins its work, employees and retirees will likely face a long and uncertain wait. The delay not only affects their financial stability but also their trust in administrative systems. Swift and decisive government action is essential to restore faith, stability, and fair compensation.

Official Portal: Department of Expenditure – Pay Commissions

Conclusion

Employees and pensioners may have to wait a long time before getting changes to their salary or retirement benefits until the 8th Salary Commission officially starts its work. This ongoing uncertainty impacts routine tasks, financial planning, and general morale in addition to being a bureaucratic snag. Pensioners are concerned about whether their benefits will keep up with inflation and medical expenses, while many employees have difficulty to keep up with growing expenses. In addition to losing trust, the prolonged wait has left employees and retirees feeling nervous and disappointed. These difficulties highlight the pressing necessity for the government to act swiftly and clearly, complete the ToR, and create the commission in order for workers and retirees to finally get the security and just compensation they have been promised.