8th Pay Commission:Â The 8th Central Pay Commission has formally begun its proceedings, giving hope to central government employees and pensioners about the possibility of an increase in their salaries and pensions. The employee unions have already begun preparing their demands, and the government has launched the official website of the pay commission, which marks the beginning of formal discussions.
8th Pay Commission:Â Employee Unions Prepare Joint Demands
On the 25th of February, 2026, a number of employee unions of central government employees and pensioners met in Delhi under the National Council (Staff Side) of the Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM). The main aim of this meeting was to prepare a joint memorandum to be submitted to the 8th Pay Commission.
- During the meeting, some of the key demands that were discussed include:
- A higher fitment factor to modify basic pay
- An increase in annual increments
- Improved retirement benefits
- Modifications in pension rules
- Modifications in promotion policies
These demands are likely to be incorporated into the official representation that will soon be made to the commission.
8th Pay Commission:Â Terms of Reference Finalised, 18-Month Review Period
In November 2025, the government has approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Pay Commission. The pay commission has been given 18 months to examine the existing pay structure, allowances, and pension system.
The chairperson and some members have already been appointed. However, the government has not yet announced a clear timeline for the implementation of the new pay structure.
8th Pay Commission:Â Possibility of Arrears from January 1, 2026
Even after the report is submitted by the commission, it may take some time for the implementation to happen. The government will first check the recommendations and then give the final approval.
According to financial experts, employees may start getting the arrears payment from January 1, 2026. This is considered the effective date after the completion of the 7th Pay Commission cycle.
CA Manish Mishra, founder of GenZCFO, said, “Arrears will be calculated from this date itself, even if the payment is made later after the final approval. This means that employees and pensioners will receive a lump sum amount after the new salary structure is implemented, depending on the final decision by the government.”
8th Pay Commission:Â What It Means for Employees and Pensioners
The launch of the official website and regular meetings indicate that the process of the 8th Pay Commission is now actively taking place. Although the final salary revision may take some time, discussions regarding salaries, allowances, and pensions are taking place steadily.
Currently, employees and pensioners are hoping that the new commission will bring some financial relief to them once the recommendations are approved and implemented.
