New Delhi: The Union government has initiated the consultation process for setting up the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), seeking inputs from key stakeholders including the Ministries of Defence and Home Affairs, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and various state governments. This was disclosed in the Monsoon Session of the Parliament on 21 July.
Responding to questions regarding the delay in setting up the Commission, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated that the government has begun engaging with all relevant stakeholders before notifying the 8th CPC.
He clarified that the appointment of the Chairperson and members for the Commission will follow the formal notification process.
Earlier in January this year, the Union Cabinet had approved the formation of the 8th Pay Commission to revise the pay structure of nearly 50 lakh central government employees and update allowances for around 65 lakh pensioners.
The implementation of the revised pay scales is expected from 1 January 2026, following the government’s acceptance of the Commission’s recommendations.
The Central Pay Commission, typically constituted every 10 years, plays a crucial role in reviewing and recommending changes to the pay structure of government employees in light of inflation and evolving economic conditions.
The 7th CPC was set up in February 2014, with its recommendations enforced from January 2016.
Until the 8th CPC’s recommendations are in place, the government continues to provide dearness allowance (DA) to offset inflation-induced salary erosion. The DA rate is reviewed and revised twice a year, based on prevailing inflation trends.
