MESSAGE TO PENSIONERS

MESSAGE TO PENSIONERS

On the Occasion of National Pensioners’ Day

17 December 2025

Dear Pensioner Friends,

The system of pension for government employees in India has a long history. Pension was first introduced during British rule in 1857, following the Sepoy Mutiny, to ensure stability and loyalty among government servants. Formal Pension Rules were framed in 1871. After Independence, pensionary benefits were reorganized, leading to the introduction of comprehensive rules in 1971, which later became the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972.

An important milestone in the history of pensions was the landmark judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in D.S. Nakara & Others vs. Union of India, delivered on 17 December 1986. This historic judgment declared that pension is not a charity or bounty, but a right, earned for long and devoted service, and that arbitrary discrimination among pensioners is unconstitutional. In recognition of this judgment, 17 December is observed every year as National Pensioners’ Day.

So far, the Government of India has constituted seven Central Pay Commissions (1st to 7th CPC). These Pay Commissions functioned under different governments—Congress, Janata Party, BJP, and coalition governments, including those supported by Communist parties for several decades. However, experience shows that no government and no Pay Commission has been able to fully satisfy all employees and pensioners. Some dissatisfaction has always remained, except perhaps in limited sections such as All India Group ‘A’ Services.

After economic liberalization in 1991, financial policies became more restrictive. Since then, courts have also shown restraint in issuing directions involving heavy financial implications. As a result, pension-related court cases in the post-1991 period have rarely produced relief comparable to the Nakara judgment.

Despite these realities, pensioners should not lose heart. History shows that improvements, though gradual, have continued. Expectations should be realistic, focusing on:
• Minimum assured pension
• Periodic revision with Pay Commissions
• Protection against inflation
• Dignity and financial security in old age

The Government has already announced that the 8th Central Pay Commission will cover around 50 lakh serving employees and about 65 lakh pensioners. This clearly indicates that existing pensioners will also come under the scope of the 8th CPC, and their pension will be reviewed accordingly.

At this stage of life, we should avoid unnecessary anxiety and mental stress. Let us remain informed, united, and hopeful, while maintaining peace of mind. While no Pay Commission has ever delivered complete satisfaction, every revision has brought some improvement, and we may reasonably expect at least minimum beneficial outcomes this time as well.

On this National Pensioners’ Day, let us remember our long years of service to the nation with pride and move forward with patience, positivity, and mutual support.

With respectful greetings,
Lokanath Mishra, The All India
Pensioners’ Association of CBIC.
17 December 2025