Chandigarh, September 16 (Daily Kiran) : The 8th Central Pay Commission has initiated a three-day consultation process in Chandigarh, focusing on salary and pension issues. The meetings commenced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and will continue until Friday.
During this period, the Commission will engage with various employee organizations, pensioner groups, and representatives from regional administrations. Key topics for discussion include salary structures, service conditions, and pension proposals.
Former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai heads the Commission, which also includes former IAS officer Pankaj Jain as member secretary and finance expert Pulak Ghosh, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.
Representatives from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh will present their suggestions regarding salary and pension revisions. Additionally, various groups representing employee unions, pensioners, as well as railway and defense personnel, will voice their demands and recommendations.
The insights gathered from these consultations will be crucial as the Commission prepares its final recommendations. The implications of these recommendations could affect over one crore employees and pensioners, including around five million central government employees and approximately 6.5 million pensioners, encompassing retired defense and railway staff.
Employee organizations are advocating for an increase in the fitment factor, which could lead to higher base salaries under the new pay scale. They also seek changes to the Dearness Allowance (DA) system, urging for more frequent reviews and incorporation into the basic salary once it reaches a certain threshold.
Many organizations have called for a review of House Rent Allowance (HRA), transport allowances, and special allowances for employees working in challenging environments. They argue that rising inflation and the cost of living in major cities necessitate adjustments to these benefits.
Pensioner groups have raised concerns about enhancing income security post-retirement, improving family pensions, and providing better healthcare facilities.
Furthermore, employee organizations have addressed issues related to promotion systems, service conditions, and the need to maintain competitive government salaries. They believe these measures will boost employee morale and assist in attracting new recruits.
According to its terms of reference, the Commission is expected to submit its recommendations to the central government within 18 months of its establishment on November 3, 2025. The meetings in Chandigarh are seen as a vital component of the Commission’s consultation process, as their outcomes could significantly influence the salary and pension framework for millions of employees and retirees in the future.
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