A message being widely shared on WhatsApp has created confusion among pensioners by claiming that the Central Government has withdrawn post-retirement benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA) hikes and Pay Commission revisions under the Finance Act 2025. However, the Central government has clearly stated that these claims are false and misleading.
Further authorities clarified that there has been no decision to revoke these benefits for retired employees. The government explained that a recent amendment to pension rules applies only to a very limited category of employees and does not affect the general body of pensioners.
PIB Fact Check Rejects Viral Claim
The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) fact check unit officially dismissed the viral message, calling it fake. It confirmed that the Central government has not changed any policy related to DA hikes or Pay Commission benefits for pensioners.
“A message circulating on WhatsApp claims that the Central Government has withdrawn post-retirement benefits like DA hikes and Pay Commission revisions for retired employees under the Finance Act 2025. The claim is FAKE!,” the PIB’s fact check unit posted on X.
🚨 Will retired Govt employees stop getting DA hikes & Pay Commission benefits under the Finance Act 2025⁉️
A message circulating on #WhatsApp claims that the Central Government has withdrawn post-retirement benefits like DA hikes and Pay Commission revisions for retired… pic.twitter.com/E2mCRMPObO
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) November 13, 2025
This clarification reassured pensioners that their benefits remain fully protected.
Who Will Not Receive DA and 8th Pay Commission Benefits?
According to the PIB, the only recent change involves Rule 37(29C) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021. This amendment applies only to PSU employees who were dismissed from services due to misconduct. Under the revised rule, such employees will lose their retirement benefits if they are removed from service for disciplinary reasons.
“The dismissal or removal from service of the public sector undertaking of any employee after his absorption in such undertaking for any subsequent misconduct shall lead to forfeiture of the retirement benefits for the service rendered under the Government also,” the amended rule states.
This provision does not apply to regular government pensioners and affects only a specific group of absorbed PSU employees found guilty of misconduct.
Finance Ministry Clarifies Pension Revision Under 8th CPC
The Finance Ministry recently addressed doubts about whether pension revisions would be included in the 8th Pay Commission’s mandate. This clarification brought major relief to around 69 lakh pensioners who feared exclusion from the upcoming pay revision.
During the winter session of Parliament, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary responded to a question in the Rajya Sabha. He confirmed that pension revision will indeed be part of the 8th Pay Commission’s recommendations. He stated that pension-related changes would be considered along with salary structures and other allowances.
When Will the 8th Pay Commission Be Implemented?
Last month, the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Pay Commission. The commission is expected to benefit nearly 50 lakh central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners, while also influencing state government pay structures.
Based on past experience, it usually takes 18 to 24 months to implement a Pay Commission’s recommendations. As a result, the 8th Pay Commission is unlikely to be enforced before mid-2027, and some reports suggest implementation could even be delayed until early 2028.
Effective Date and Importance of the 8th Pay Commission
The 8th Pay Commission has been formed to review salaries, pensions, and allowances of central government employees and retirees. The tentative effective date is expected to be January 1, 2026, marking ten years since the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission in 2016.
The PIB Fact Check wing once again emphasized that the recent amendment affects only misconduct-related cases involving absorbed PSU employees and does not cancel DA hikes or Pay Commission benefits for pensioners.
Final Clarification
To sum up, the Central government has not withdrawn any post-retirement benefits for pensioners. DA increases and pay commission-related revisions continue to apply to retired government employees. The viral claim suggesting otherwise has been officially labelled as fake and misleading. Pensioners can remain assured that their benefits under the 8th Pay Commission and DA framework remain secure.
Also Read: 8th Pay Commission: Why Indian Railways to Reduce Expenses Before Pay Hike Takes Effect
