The 8th Central Pay Commission, announced in January 2025, has entered its seventh month without progress. The Centre has yet to finalise the Terms of Reference (ToR), appoint a chairman, or form the panel. Government employees grow restless as their unions demand clarity. The finance ministry says it has already sought inputs from states, ministries, and employee groups, but the formal notification remains pending. If the process follows the precedent of the 7th Pay Commission, employees may not see revised salaries until late 2027 or even early 2028.
Seven Months Without Movement
The Centre announced the 8th Pay Commission in January 2025. Since then, the Terms of Reference, which guide salary revisions and other aspects, have not been finalised. Without the ToR, no members or chairman can be appointed. The absence of progress has created unease among central government employees and pensioners.
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Unions Demand Answers
Employee unions and representative bodies have written to the Centre for clarity. They argue that delays in setting up the commission directly affect workers’ financial planning. The government, however, continues to maintain that it is consulting all stakeholders before issuing the formal notification. The finance ministry recently confirmed it has sought feedback from ministries, states, and staff associations.
Looking Back at the 7th Pay Commission
The 7th Pay Commission’s timeline shows how long the process can take. The UPA government announced it on September 25, 2013. The Finance Ministry issued the Terms of Reference on February 28, 2014, nearly five months later. Justice A.K. Mathur and other members were appointed on March 4, 2014. The final report came on November 19, 2015, after almost 20 months of deliberation. The government implemented most recommendations on June 29, 2016, with effect from January 1, 2016. From announcement to implementation, the process lasted 44 months—over three and a half years.
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What the Delay Means Now
If the 8th Pay Commission mirrors this timeline, employees may not receive salary revisions before late 2027 or early 2028. With seven months already lost, the current panel risks becoming the most delayed commission so far. Employees remain anxious while the Centre weighs its steps carefully. The timeline suggests that those waiting for higher salaries or revised pensions must prepare for a long wait.
