8th pay commission

Since the release of the Terms of Reference of the 8th Pay Commission, there has been some concern among government employees and pensioners regarding salary and pension. Many messages started going viral on social media in which it was claimed that the Central Government is increasing DA and ending retirement benefits of pensioners. This spread unnecessary fear and panic among lakhs of pensioners.

What was the viral claim?

It was said in the viral message that under the Finance Act 2025, the government has abolished benefits like DA hike and Pay Commission revision for retired employees. It was even claimed that pensioners will not get the benefit of 8th Pay Commission in future.

PIB Fact Check made a big revelation

The government's official fact-checking unit PIB Fact Check described these claims as completely fake. PIB clearly said that the government has not abolished any pension benefits related to DA, DR or Pay Commission. The government has appealed to the people to get information related to pension only from official sources.

What benefits will pensioners continue to get?

• According to PIB, pensioners will continue to get these benefits as before.
• Pension Revision: Based on the recommendations of the Pay Commission in future
• DR Increase: Increase according to inflation in January and July every year.

Where exactly did the change happen?

The reason for confusion is a small change in CCS (Pension) Rules 2021. The change in Rule 37 applies only to those employees who have been fired from the job due to misbehavior or wrongdoing after being transferred to PSU. This change has been made after the order of the Supreme Court and it has no impact on ordinary pensioners.

What did the government say in Parliament?

The government made it clear in the Rajya Sabha that pension comes under the purview of the 8th Pay Commission. That means pensioners will also get benefits under the next pay commission.

What is the status on DA-DR merger?

At present there is no proposal to merge DA and DR in basic pay. This decision will be taken only after the 8th Pay Commission report comes. Which is expected to come by 2027. In simple words, DA, DR and pension benefits are secure. The viral message is wrong. Both the government and PIB have called it false. That means pensioners have no need to worry. Ignore rumors and trust only official information.