INVC NEWS New Delhi, May 2, 2025 – In a major development that directly impacts millions of government employees and pensioners across India, the groundwork for the 8th Pay Commission has officially begun. The Department of Expenditure (DoE), under the Ministry of Finance, has released two crucial circulars dated April 21, signaling the appointment process for 42 key posts essential to the functioning of the new commission.
This move indicates that the government is swiftly advancing the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission, aiming to restructure the salary framework for 48 lakh central government employees and 57 lakh pensioners. As preparations gain momentum, here is an in-depth overview of all the latest updates.
Formation of the 8th Pay Commission: Key Appointments Underway
The government has kickstarted the recruitment process for the core administrative and advisory team of the 8th Pay Commission. A total of 42 posts are in the pipeline, including:
Chairman
Two key commission members
2 Directors or Deputy Secretaries
3 Under Secretaries
37 supporting staff across various designations
These appointments are vital for the commission’s early-stage operations, especially once the Terms of Reference (ToR) are officially defined. The Department of Expenditure’s circular states that these roles will be filled on a temporary basis for the full duration of the Commission, ensuring a focused and agile team structure.
Chairman and Commission Members: Announcement Imminent
According to highly placed media sources, the names for the Chairman and two principal members have already been shortlisted and are awaiting formal announcement. Once declared, this will mark a definitive milestone in the operational setup of the commission.
Compared to previous commissions, the 8th Pay Commission is expected to feature a leaner structure, focusing on efficiency and faster execution. In contrast, the 7th Pay Commission, headed by Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur, included 45 members in total.
Comparison with Previous Pay Commissions
To provide historical context:
7th Pay Commission (2014)
Chairman: Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur
Members: 45 (18 in the secretariat, 16 advisors, 7 staff)
6th Pay Commission (2006)
Chairman: Justice B.N. Srikrishna
Members: 4 core members + 17 secretariat staff
5th Pay Commission (1994)
Only 3 members appointed
Early Commissions
1st Pay Commission had 9 members
2nd had 6
3rd and 4th had 5 each
The trend clearly indicates a move towards compact yet dynamic structures, which the 8th Pay Commission is expected to follow.
National Council (JCM) Intensifies Mobilization Efforts
In parallel with government appointments, the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery – NC JCM) representing central employees has begun preparing a comprehensive memorandum. During the extended Standing Committee meeting held on April 22, 2025, the council deliberated on several pressing issues, including:
Minimum wages
Revised pay scales
Fitment factor
Allowances
Promotion policies
Pension reforms
To facilitate this, a drafting committee has been constituted comprising representatives from major employee federations. All organizations have been directed to submit their recommendations in PDF and Word format by May 20, 2025. The names of representatives are to be finalized by April 30, 2025.
Why the 8th Pay Commission Matters
The activation of the 8th Pay Commission is more than a bureaucratic formality—it is a lifeline for millions of employees and retirees seeking fair compensation, inflation-adjusted benefits, and dignified retirement provisions.
Key areas where reforms are expected include:
Recalibrating basic pay structures to reflect current economic realities
Increasing allowances in alignment with inflation and cost-of-living indices
Rationalizing pension schemes and addressing disparities for older retirees
Updating the fitment factor, which directly affects salary revision
Once operational, the commission is anticipated to finalize its recommendations by 2026, with implementation targeted for the next fiscal year.
Central Government’s Strategic Intent
Though the government has not yet released the official ToR, the recent flurry of circulars, internal meetings, and inter-ministerial discussions strongly indicate that the formation of the commission is imminent.
The Department of Expenditure has clarified that:
Appointments will continue until all sanctioned posts are filled
Selections will be made on a rolling basis, ensuring no delay in formation
Employees will serve from the commission’s formation date until its closure
Such clarity ensures transparency and readiness for swift action once the commission is formally notified.
Projected Timeline and Next Steps
Based on current developments, the expected timeline for the 8th Pay Commission’s key milestones is:
May 2025: Finalization of core appointments
June 2025: Notification of Terms of Reference
July–August 2025: Commission begins consultations and data collection
Late 2025–Mid 2026: Drafting and reviewing recommendations
End 2026: Submission of final report to the Union Cabinet
2027 Budget: Likely rollout of revised pay structure
The Union Cabinet is expected to make the formal announcement soon, cementing the Commission’s legal and functional status.
What This Means for 48 Lakh Employees and 57 Lakh Pensioners
As India’s economy evolves, it becomes essential to ensure that the country’s civil servants and retirees receive equitable compensation. The formation of the 8th Pay Commission is seen as a key pillar in preserving that balance.
This commission is not only expected to recommend wage hikes, but also introduce progressive reforms in areas such as:
Gender parity in benefits
Remote and flexible work compensations
Performance-linked incentives
Post-retirement healthcare support
With more than 10 crore citizens indirectly benefiting from central government employees’ purchasing power, the impact of the Pay Commission will ripple across India’s economy.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in India’s Administrative Landscape
The formation of the 8th Pay Commission is poised to be one of the most transformative steps in India’s administrative framework in recent years. With focused appointments, active employee participation, and a leaner structure, the government is setting the stage for a fast, data-driven, and employee-focused commission.
As we move forward, all eyes remain on the formal declaration of the commission’s launch, the naming of its Chairman, and the unveiling of the much-anticipated Terms of Reference.
We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide real-time updates on every critical step.
