8th CPC Sparks Pension Fears: Rajya Sabha to Seek Clarity on Omission of Pension Revision in ToR

8th CPC Sparks Pension Fears: Rajya Sabha to Seek Clarity on Omission of Pension Revision in ToR

A major concern has appeared among lakhs of central government pensioners as a key question in the Rajya Sabha is set to probe whether the revision of pensions has been excluded from the Terms of Reference of the recently constituted 8th Central Pay Commission.

The issue will come up on December 2, 2025, when the Ministry of Finance responds to Question No. 252 raised by MPs Javed Ali Khan and Ramji Lal Suman.

The question asks the government to explain the terms under which the 8th CPC was formed and specifically demands clarity on whether pension revision was intentionally left out.

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This stands in sharp contrast to all previous Pay Commissions, where pension revision has always been a core mandate. Employee unions say the wording of the latest notification has triggered panic across the retired community, fearing a policy shift that could leave around 69 lakh pensioners outside the scope of future benefits.

The same question also presses for an answer on a long-pending demand: merging Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief into basic pay to provide immediate monetary relief.

With inflation rising sharply and DA already exceeding the threshold that traditionally triggers such a merger, employees are eagerly awaiting the Finance Ministry’s position on the matter.

Concerns are growing that the government may adopt a new system where only serving employees see their pay revised, while retirees remain tied to outdated structures.

The mention of “unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes” in the ToR has only added to suspicions that fiscal burden is being placed ahead of pensioners’ rights and social welfare.

Unions say that excluding pension revision would mark a historic departure from decades-old policy that ensures equal treatment of past and present employees.

Many warn that retired personnel could see their pensions fall dangerously behind if the government confirms this omission.

With the Winter Session underway and employee organisations preparing for agitation if their fears are confirmed, all eyes are now focused on the Finance Minister’s written reply on December 2.

The response is expected to shape the future direction of the country’s pay and pension structure and could influence millions of families dependent on government pensions.