New Delhi, April 02: Concerns are growing among central government employees and pensioners about whether those retiring before January 1, 2026, will miss out on the benefits of the 8th Pay Commission. The controversy stems from changes in the Central Civil Services (CCS) pension rules through the Finance Bill, 2025, leading to claims that the government is creating a distinction between pensioners based on their retirement date.
The Congress and trade unions have accused the Centre of having a “hidden agenda”, alleging that lakhs of pensioners could lose financial benefits. Congress MP KC Venugopal and AITUC leader Amitrajit Kaur have raised concerns, while some reports suggest that the government is trying to reduce financial pressure, as implementing the 8th Pay Commission could cost over ₹1 lakh crore. 8th Pay Commission To Be Delayed? Know Why Implementation of 8th CPC May Get Delayed Till 2027.
However, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has categorically denied these allegations. She assured Parliament that the amendments are merely procedural and do not alter pension benefits. She further stated that, just like in the 7th Pay Commission, pensioners retiring before and after 2016 were treated equally, and this principle will continue. 8th Pay Commission Salary Hike: Central Govt Employees Likely To Receive up to INR 19000 Increase in Median Salary, Says Goldman Sachs.
The 8th Pay Commission, approved in January 2025, will be implemented from January 1, 2026, to revise salaries, allowances, and pensions for nearly 36.57 lakh government employees and 33.91 lakh pensioners. While its recommendations are expected by late 2026 or early 2027, experts believe no discrimination will be made against old pensioners. Historically, arrears have been provided during pay commission implementations, ensuring no group faces financial loss.
Thus, while the debate continues, existing pensioners are unlikely to suffer, as the government insists the changes are only administrative reforms rather than an attempt to reduce pensions for retirees before 2026.
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on Apr 02, 2025 08:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).
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