8th Pay Commission ToR Sparks Concern: Confederation Writes to PM Modi Seeking Pension Revision and Key Amendments

8th Pay Commission ToR Sparks Concern: Confederation Writes to PM Modi Seeking Pension Revision and Key Amendments

NEW DELHI: Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers has written to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, urging amendments to the recently announced Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission (8th CPC).

Representing nearly eight lakh employees across more than 130 departments, the Confederation has requested that the government include clear provisions on pension revision, date of implementation, old pension scheme issues, and other employee welfare demands.

Finance Ministry notified the formation of the 8th CPC on November 3, 2025, but the Confederation believes several critical aspects have been omitted.

In its letter to the Prime Minister, it expressed gratitude for the commission’s formation but asked for corrections in the ToR to protect the interests of both serving employees and India’s 69 lakh pensioners.

One of the key concerns is the absence of the effective date of the 8th CPC. The Confederation argued that all previous pay commissions were implemented from January 1 of the respective decade—1986, 1996, 2006, and 2016.

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It stated that the 8th CPC must also take effect from January 1, 2026, and requested the government to explicitly mention this in the ToR.

The letter also strongly objected to the phrase “unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes” mentioned in the ToR.

The Confederation said this terminology does not recognise the legal and constitutional rights of pensioners, noting that the Supreme Court has repeatedly held pension to be a protected right under Article 300A.

It warned that such wording could create fear among pensioners and misrepresent their decades of service as a financial burden. Citing multiple Supreme Court judgments, it reiterated that a pension is a social welfare measure and cannot be withdrawn at the government’s discretion.

The Confederation demanded that the 8th CPC be authorised to examine revision of pension, parity between past and future pensioners, restoration of commuted pension after 11 years, additional pension every five years, and changes to CGEGIS and healthcare benefits. It also sought deletion of the “unfunded cost” phrase from the ToR and inclusion of clear pension-related responsibilities for the commission.

A major request is the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees recruited after April 1, 2004.

According to the Confederation, nearly 26 lakh employees remain under NPS or UPS, and many are dissatisfied with the newer pension mechanisms. It asked the government to allow the 8th CPC to review all pension schemes and recommend the most beneficial one.

The Confederation further appealed for the 8th CPC’s benefits to be extended to autonomous and statutory bodies as well as Gramin Dak Sevaks, who serve as the backbone of India Post. It also sought 20% interim relief to offset inflation and delays in CPC implementation.

Healthcare reforms featured prominently in the letter, with requests to expand CGHS wellness centres, ensure cashless treatment for pensioners, and extend CGHS coverage to employees of autonomous institutions.

The Confederation concluded its appeal by urging the Prime Minister to issue amendments to the Gazette Notification so that the 8th CPC can adequately address the needs of employees, pensioners, and family pensioners.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the Cabinet Secretary, Secretary of Personnel, and Finance Secretary.

The Union Government is yet to issue a response, but the Confederation’s detailed representation has intensified expectations surrounding the next pay revision cycle.