A major announcement may be just around the corner for lakhs of central government employees and pensioners. The long-awaited 8th Pay Commission may finally get its official green signal, as the government is expected to approve the Terms of Reference (ToR) very soon. This news has brought a wave of hope and excitement among over one crore central employees and pensioners, who have been eagerly waiting for positive news about their salaries, allowances, and pensions.
This step is very important, as it will open the door for formal discussions between the government and employee representatives. Once the ToR is approved, the Pay Commission will officially begin its work to review and recommend changes in salary and benefits for government workers. If implemented on time, this can bring a major boost to the financial lives of many families across India.
Government Ready to Approve ToR Soon
Senior members of the National Council–Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) have confirmed that the central government is expected to give the go-ahead for the ToR in the coming days. Shiv Gopal Mishra, Staff Side Secretary of NC-JCM, shared in an interview that they are hopeful about the approval. According to him, there should not be any more delay in this process.
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As explained earlier, the Terms of Reference are the key guidelines that set the direction for the Pay Commission’s work. These rules help the commission understand what areas to focus on, how to approach the review, and how to make their final recommendations. Without this approval, the Pay Commission cannot start any official process.
Demand for New Formula in Minimum Wage Calculation
Back in January, when the government asked for suggestions regarding the ToR, the staff side submitted a detailed draft. One of the biggest and most important demands was about changing the formula used to calculate the minimum wage.
So far, salaries were calculated based on 3 units per family. Now, the demand is to change that base to 5 units. This new suggestion means the calculation will include parents as dependents. It will help employees who are financially responsible not just for their children and spouse but also for their aging parents.
Shiv Gopal Mishra stressed that the structure of Indian families has changed. In today’s time, taking care of parents is not just an emotional duty, but a legal one as well. He referred to the ‘Maintenance of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2022’, which highlights the legal obligation of children towards their parents. Including parents while calculating salary will offer financial relief and honor this responsibility.
Popular Demands Gaining Strong Support
Many of the key demands made by the NC-JCM have received wide support among employees and pensioners. These demands include merging lower pay levels. For example, merging Pay Level 1 with Level 2, and Level 3 with Level 4. This change will help in faster promotions and better salaries for employees who are stuck in the lower pay brackets for many years.
Another important demand is related to pension. The NC-JCM has suggested restoring the commuted portion of pension after 12 years and reviewing the pension amount every 5 years. This step will ensure that retired employees receive regular increases in their income, which is very important in times of rising inflation.
There is also a strong demand to merge the Dearness Allowance (DA) with the Basic Pay, similar to what was done in the 5th Pay Commission. At present, DA has touched 55 percent due to rising prices. If this allowance is added to the basic pay, the total salary of employees will automatically increase, and future benefits like pension will also get a boost.
Delay in Panel Formation Worrying Many
Even though the central government gave in-principle approval to the 8th Pay Commission back in January 2024, the official panel is yet to be formed. This delay is worrying many, especially since the expected date of implementation is January 1, 2026. If the process of forming the commission and finalizing the ToR takes more time, there is a serious chance that the pay commission benefits might be delayed until 2027.
This has caused a sense of concern and frustration among employees and pensioners, who were expecting faster action. Many of them are depending on this revision to improve their standard of living, especially with the rising cost of daily needs.
Why the 8th Pay Commission Matters So Much
In India, a pay commission is set up every ten years. It plays a crucial role in deciding the salaries, pensions, and allowances of central government employees. Over one crore people are directly affected by the decisions of this commission.
The goal of the pay commission is to ensure that government employees are paid fairly and competitively, considering the rising inflation and cost of living. This helps them live a better life and stay motivated to do their work with dedication and honesty. A timely increase in salary and pension also brings financial stability and confidence to lakhs of families.
Now, all eyes are on the central government’s next move. Everyone is hoping that the approval of the ToR will come soon and the Pay Commission panel will start working without any further delay. The decisions taken in the coming months will shape the financial future of lakhs of government workers and their families.
This is a turning point—and no one wants to be left behind. If the changes go through, it could be one of the biggest financial boosts for central employees in years. Stay updated, because this is one development you cannot afford to miss.
