Loknath Univers Heven: Government of India Confirms Coverage of Existing Pensioners Under the 8th Central Pay Commission:
By Lokanath Mishra,
The Chief Adviser,
The All India Pensioners Association of CBIC
The recent reply of the Government of India in the Lok Sabha to Unstarred Question No. 1347, dated 8 December 2025, has provided definitive and categorical clarity regarding the scope and applicability of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Many stakeholders, including retired employees, had expressed concerns that the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th CPC did not explicitly mention the inclusion of existing pensioners. This ambiguity had resulted in conflicting interpretations within pensioners’ groups and associations.
However, the official statement of the Ministry of Finance, placed before the Parliament, now puts all doubts to rest. The Government has clearly acknowledged that the revision of salaries of Central Government employees and the allowances of pensioners forms an integral part of the ToR of the 8th CPC.
- Parliamentary Reply Confirms Coverage of Pensioners
While answering parts (a), (b), (c), (e), and (f) of the question, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance specifically stated:
“The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission have been notified… The number of Central Government employees is 50.14 lakh and the number of pensioners is 69 lakh approximately. Government will make appropriate provision of funds for implementing the accepted recommendations of the 8th CPC.”
This is clear and decisive.
The reply formally recognizes 69 lakh pensioners as beneficiaries under the forthcoming recommendations. The explicit acknowledgment of pensioners in the expenditure and implementation planning directly confirms that existing pensioners are within the purview of the 8th CPC.
Furthermore, the very act of mentioning pensioners alongside employees in estimating future financial implications is conclusive proof that pensioners have been included in the ToR, even if the language of the written ToR appeared indirect.
- Indirect Reference in the ToR—Now Confirmed by the Government
In earlier communications, many pensioners expressed concern that although the ToR contained an indirect reference to pensioners—particularly through the mandate of revising “allowances of pensioners”—a more explicit and unambiguous phrasing was desirable.
The representation submitted to the Honourable President of India also highlighted this point, requesting a clear and specific articulation that the 8th CPC would fully cover existing pensioners and not merely future retirees.
Despite these well-founded concerns, some members who had not thoroughly read or analysed the ToR prematurely concluded that there was no reference at all to pensioners. This created unnecessary confusion.
But now, with the Parliamentary record placed before the nation, there is no room for doubt:
The Government of India has officially certified that the 8th CPC includes the revision of pensioners’ allowances and covers all existing pensioners.
This parliamentary reply carries full legal and administrative weight.
- Importance of This Clarification for All Stakeholders
This confirmation has far-reaching implications:
a) It reaffirms the historical principle
All Central Pay Commissions from the 4th to the 7th CPC have covered existing pensioners. The 8th CPC continues this long-standing practice.
b) It protects the rights of 69 lakh existing pensioners
The Parliamentary statement ensures not only their inclusion but also their rightful claim over future improvements in pension structure.
c) It will shape the upcoming Memorandum of Demands
Our association can now proceed with complete confidence while drafting and finalizing the memorandum to be submitted to the 8th CPC.
- Request to Members: Participation in the Proposed Google Meet
Now that the Government’s stand is unambiguously clear and officially recorded, all members are earnestly requested to participate in the upcoming Google Meet to be convened by the Secretary General (SG).
The agenda will include:
• deliberation on the implications of the Parliamentary reply
• finalisation of our association’s memorandum to the 8th CPC
• discussion on specific demands to safeguard and enhance pensioners’ welfare
• collective strategy for stronger representation
Given the importance of this development, every member’s participation and opinion are vital.
Conclusion
The Government of India’s reply in the Lok Sabha conclusively establishes that existing pensioners are fully and unquestionably included within the Terms of Reference of the 8th Central Pay Commission.
The earlier confusion caused by the indirect expression in the ToR has now been resolved through an authoritative parliamentary declaration. This clarity empowers the pensioners’ community to move forward in unity and with renewed confidence while preparing submissions for the 8th CPC.
All members are urged to join the upcoming Google Meet and contribute actively to this important stage of collective representation.
[10:15 AM, 12/9/2025] Loknath Univers Heven: COMMUNICATION TO ALL MEMBERS;
Subject: Clarification Regarding Points (d) and (g) of the Lok Sabha Reply on 8th CPC & Request to Avoid Misinterpretation
Dear Members,
As you are aware, the Government of India has recently replied to Unstarred Question No. 1347 in the Lok Sabha regarding the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). This reply has already clarified that existing pensioners are fully covered under the Terms of Reference, which is a significant and positive development for all of us.
However, some doubts have been raised by a few members regarding why point (d) and point (g) of the question were not answered separately by the Hon’ble Minister. In order to avoid confusion, the following official clarification is being issued.
- Why Point (d) Was Not Answered Separately
Point (d) relates to the consultations with stakeholders—including employees’ and pensioners’ associations and State Governments ( state governments consultations are mandatory because the recommendations of CPC are to be influenced the pay structures of state governments employees and many state governments may implement the recommendations of CPC in their respective states as it’s)
It is important to understand that consultation is the responsibility of the Pay Commission itself, not the Government. Once the 8th CPC is constituted, all matters relating to:
• calling for memoranda,
• meeting associations,
• holding discussions, and
• inviting evidence
are entirely decided by the CPC as part of its independent functioning.
If CPC will not follow the above procedures, then it will violate the principle of natural justice and their recommendations may be cancelled if challenged in court of law.
Hence, the Government cannot answer on behalf of the CPC at this early stage.
This is why point (d) was not replied to separately.
- Why Point (g) Was Not Answered Separately
Point (g) has two components:
(i) Time for submission of CPC recommendations – decided by the CPC
Since the Terms of Reference do not specify any deadline, the CPC will itself determine how much time it needs to complete its report.
The Government cannot answer this at present.
(ii) Time for implementing the recommendations – decided by the Government
Implementation is the Government’s responsibility, but this can only be decided after the CPC submits its report.
Considering the previous implementations the effective date must be 01.01.2026. If government will not implement the recommendations w.e.f 01.01.26, this will challenge in court of law also.
As neither of these timelines is fixed at this stage, the Minister did not provide a separate reply to point (g).
- Appeal to All Members
It has come to notice that some members, without examining the full text or understanding the procedural aspects, are circulating comments that may unintentionally create confusion among others.
We sincerely request all members:
**🙏 Before making any statement or forwarding any message, please verify the facts.
🙏 Do not circulate incomplete or misleading information.
🙏 Kindly rely only on official communications issued by the association.**
Discussions on CPC matters require accuracy, and spreading misunderstandings only weakens our collective effort.
- Next Steps
A Google Meet session will soon be convened by the Secretary General to discuss:
• the recent Parliamentary reply,
• the scope for preparing our association’s memorandum, and
• issues to be raised before the 8th CPC.
Your active participation is requested for a meaningful and united representation.
Conclusion
The situation is clear:
• Existing pensioners are fully covered under the 8th CPC, and
• The unanswered points pertain to matters that are yet to be decided either by the CPC or the Government, as per their respective roles.
Let us move forward with clarity, unity, and factual understanding.
Warm regards,
Lokanath Mishra
The Chief Adviser,
The All India Pensioners Association of CBIC.