Lok Sabha to discuss CPC today. Opposition MPs questions Fin Min over the delay

8th Pay Commission in Spotlight as Monsoon Session Kicks Off: Finance Ministry to Address Salary, Pension Overhaul

New Delhi, July 21, 2025 — The long-awaited 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) is set to take center stage in the Lok Sabha today, as the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins with high expectations and mounting pressure from central government employees and pensioners. The Finance Ministry is expected to present key updates on the formation, structure, and rollout timeline of the CPC—an issue that has stirred debate amid rising inflation and concerns over stagnant public sector wages.

MPs Demand Transparency on Delays

Parliamentarians TR Baalu and Anand Bhadauria have formally questioned the Finance Ministry over the prolonged silence surrounding the 8th CPC. Their inquiries demand specific information on:

• The current status of the commission’s formation

• Reasons behind the delay

• Timeline for appointing the Chairperson and Members

• Schedule for implementing the revised pay and pension structures

The 7th Pay Commission, which reshaped government salaries and pensions, was implemented in January 2016. Going by the standard 10-year cycle, the 8th CPC was expected to be announced during 2024–25, with implementation ideally by 2026. However, with no formal notification yet, anxiety is rising among over 3 million central government employees and pensioners.

Inflation, Stagnation, and Expectations

Concerns about inflation, erosion of purchasing power, and delayed wage reforms have triggered louder demands from staff unions and policymakers alike. Public sector workers argue that the current pay scale, last revised nearly a decade ago, no longer matches economic realities.

Speculation Swirls Around Salary Hike

Though the government has not yet disclosed official figures, multiple media outlets suggest that the 8th CPC could recommend:

• A salary hike between 40% and 50%

• A fitment factor ranging from 1.92 to 2.86, which is crucial in calculating the revised pay matrix

These numbers, if realised, could significantly boost incomes—especially for lower-grade employees who make up the bulk of the government workforce. However, experts warn that unless indexed properly to DA (Dearness Allowance) and other benefits, the real hike could end up being lower than anticipated.