8th Pay Commission: Opposition MPs Question Centre On The Delay As Govt Employees' Frustration Grows

The delay in forming the 8th Central Pay Commission has left government employees and pensioners frustrated. The government has not yet revealed any plans for the 8th CPC, despite mounting worries about stagnant pay and rising living expenses after the seventh pay commission, which was over nine years ago.

Central Govt Employees’ Growing Frustration

As their concerns grew, opposition party MPs brought up the matter in the Lok Sabha and urged the Finance Ministry to resolve the delay. Among those, MPs Jai Prakash, Anand Bhadauria, and V. Vaithilingam emphasised the growing dissatisfaction among government workers due to stagnant pay, which has been made worse by rising inflation.

The MPs noted that widespread dissatisfaction has resulted from government employees' pay remaining static despite rising living expenses and inflation. They requested clarification from the government regarding whether the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission is being considered and, if so when it is anticipated to be completed.

Government’s Response: No Current Proposal for 8th Pay Commission

The Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, responded to the MPs' concerns. He underlined that there are currently no intentions by the government to establish the 8th CPC. Salary determination is still based on the 7th Pay Commission, which was established on February 28, 2014, and there isn't yet a proposal for a new commission under consideration. The minister emphasized that, as there is no proposal, the question of setting a timeline for the establishment of the 8th CPC does not arise.

It has been over a decade since the 7th Pay Commission was formed, and many government employees feel that their pay does not adequately reflect the rising cost of living. Inflation and price hikes have placed additional pressure on government workers, particularly those in sectors like the armed forces, leading to concerns about their financial well-being.

In the upcoming months, workers and unions might keep pushing for the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission but the administration has ruled out taking any quick action. The government may decide to introduce a new mechanism to update central employees' pay and pensions instead of establishing the 8th Pay Commission, according to recent media reports. In order to address the financial burden brought on by growing living expenses this change might take the place of the current 10-year cycle.

The 8th Pay Commission is still the main topic of discussion but this problem highlights a broader discussion about how public sector workers' compensation schemes are changing and how the government should strike a balance between employee welfare and fiscal responsibility.