8th Pay Commission Still on Hold: What's Delaying It and Why Are Government Employees Losing Patience?
New Delhi, June 24, 2025 — It’s been over five months since the 8th Pay Commission was announced by the Central Government, yet there is no official formation, no Terms of Reference (ToR), and no clear roadmap. This silence has sparked growing concern among lakhs of central government employees and pensioners across the country, who are beginning to feel that the announcement may have been more of a political pitch than a policy promise.
Here's a detailed look at what's causing the delay, what employee unions are demanding, and how previous pay commissions were implemented.
🕰️ 8th Pay Commission: Announced But Not Activated
On January 16, 2025, just ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, the government made a high-profile announcement about setting up the 8th Pay Commission. While this raised hopes among nearly 1 crore central government employees and pensioners, the lack of follow-up action has become a major concern.
Till date:
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No official notification has been issued for the commission’s formation
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No Terms of Reference (ToR) have been defined
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No clear timeline has been provided
This inaction is raising eyebrows and fueling speculation that the announcement may have been aimed at gaining electoral mileage—especially since the ruling party secured a significant victory in Delhi following the announcement.
🗣️ Employee Unions Demand Clarity
Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary of the National Council – Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), has written to the Cabinet Secretary demanding that the government clearly state its position on the Pay Commission. The delay, Mishra noted, is leading to anxiety among employees and growing mistrust.
Unions fear that the 8th Pay Commission could end up as another unfulfilled political promise, especially since there has been no progress since February 2025, when NC-JCM last met with government officials.
💸 What's at Stake for Pensioners?
More than 65 lakh central government pensioners are awaiting clarity. Further confusion was added when the Finance Bill stated that the extension of benefits to pensioners under the 8th Pay Commission would be at the discretion of the government.
This uncertainty has only worsened the sentiment among retired government staff, who are worried that they may be excluded from the benefits altogether.
📊 How Long Does a Pay Commission Take to Implement?
There is no fixed rule or deadline for implementing a Pay Commission in India, but historical data offers some insight:
| Pay Commission | Report Submitted | Approved By Govt | Implementation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th (1997) | 30 Jan 1997 | Aug 1997 | 7–8 months |
| 6th (2008) | 24 Mar 2008 | 29 Aug 2008 | 5 months |
| 7th (2016) | 19 Nov 2015 | 29 Jun 2016 | 7 months |
If the same timeline is followed, and assuming the 8th Commission is formed soon, employees may have to wait at least 6–8 more months for implementation after the report is submitted.
🤔 What Happens If Delays Continue?
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Financial planning for employees and pensioners will be disrupted
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Government credibility could take a hit among its core workforce
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It may also affect upcoming state elections, as unions begin to raise their voices
📝 Final Word
The 8th Pay Commission remains in limbo, and with no official formation, government employees and pensioners are rightfully growing restless. As inflation rises and cost of living increases, salary revisions are a pressing need, not just a political talking point.
The government must act quickly to provide clarity, set up the commission, and define its mandate. Failure to do so could escalate protests and reduce morale across departments.
