8th Pay Commission: Pensioners tell FinMin, DoPT to expedite Terms of Reference, appointments

"We, on behalf of the Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS), one of the oldest and largest federations representing pensioners and senior citizens across the country, wish to express our gratitude for the Government's decision in January 2025 to accept the long-standing demand for the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission," SC Maheshwari, secretary general, BPS, said in a letter to the Finance Minister and DoPT on June 1, 2025.

"However, the lack of further progress - notably the non-finalisation of the Terms of Reference and the absence of announcements regarding the Chairman and Members of the Commission - has led to growing unease," he added.

Maheshwari further said that the prolonged delay is "fueling rumours, speculation, and misunderstanding, causing anxiety and uncertainty among government pensioners."

He also said that "unverified information circulating on various media and social platforms is creating confusion and adversely affecting morale."

Key demands of BPS

Given the criticality of the situation, BPS has demanded for expediting the following "necessary" steps:

• Early finalisation of the Terms of Reference (ToR)

• Prompt appointment of the chairman and members of the 8th CPC, and

• Ensuring representation of pensioners in the Commission

"Clear and timely communication will not only dispel rumors and reassure stakeholders but will also facilitate the smooth and effective functioning of the Commission to deliver its recommendations on schedule," Maheshwari said.