8th Pay Commission update: Govt speeds up salary & pension hike, invite suggestions

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A very relieving and big news has come out for central employees and pensioners. The buzz about the long-pending 8th Central Pay Commission has now intensified. The central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken important steps to clear the way for an increase in the salaries and pensions of employees. While the government has made a new and important appointment to expedite the work of the commission, it has also launched a special portal to seek the opinions of the common employees. It is clear from these latest developments that the government is in the mood to give good news to the employees as soon as possible.

Krishna VR appointed as the new Director of the 8th Pay Commission

To expedite the pay fixation process, the central government has appointed Krishna VR, a 2009 batch officer of the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), as the Director of the 8th Central Pay Commission. According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training, the Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet (ACC) has approved his appointment on departmental deputation. This important post has been filled under the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. Krishna VR will hold the post until further orders or until September 17, 2029, whichever is earlier. Following this important appointment, it is expected that the work of finalizing the pay and pension structure will now be completed expeditiously.

The government is seeking your suggestions on the salary and pension formula

The Pay Commission is considering the opinions of not only officers but also employees. The Central Government has launched the official website of the 8th Pay Commission (8cpc.gov.in). Through this, central employees, pensioners, and various ministries can submit their suggestions on important issues such as salary, pension, increment, and fitment factor. The government has clarified that the identity of those submitting their suggestions will be kept completely confidential. If you also wish to submit your suggestions, you can fill out the 18-question online questionnaire by visiting the MyGov portal by March 16, 2026. Please note that the Commission will accept suggestions only through the MyGov portal; suggestions sent via email or any other medium will not be valid.

Government's clear stand in Parliament, arrears may be available from 2026

The government recently clarified its position on this issue in Parliament. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated that the notification for the formation of the 8th Pay Commission was issued on November 3, 2025. The commission has now been given 18 months (one and a half years) to submit its detailed report. Given this timeframe, the commission's recommendations are likely to be issued by 2027. However, the relief is that employees can be given the benefits by adding arrears from January 1, 2026. Currently, the commission is engaged in a comprehensive review of the pay scales, allowances, and service conditions of central government employees.