Delays and repeated deferments in the process of constituting and advancing the Eighth Pay Commission have led to growing dissatisfaction among employees, according to Shiv Gopal Mishra, leader of the Staff Side of the National Council (JCM) and General Secretary of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation. Mishra stated that if the government and the commission continue to delay the process, employees will be compelled to launch an agitation.
Speaking to Jagran Business, Mishra said the announcement of the Eighth Pay Commission was made in consideration of the prevailing political environment. He said the government announced during the Delhi elections that the Eighth Pay Commission would be implemented soon. However, he said no concrete steps were taken for nearly 10 months after the announcement.
Mishra further stated that the government announced the formation of the commission under the chairmanship of Ranjana Prakash Desai one day before the first phase of voting in the Bihar elections. According to Mishra, the timing of the decision indicated that electoral considerations were taken into account and that political calculations were given greater importance than the interests of employees.
Mishra said governments in the country generally take electoral considerations into account while making decisions, and he said the current central government is also working in the same direction. As a result, he said many employees believe that the report of the Eighth Pay Commission could also be released around the time of the Uttar Pradesh elections. He added that employees should understand that the government makes decisions according to its political requirements and timing, but such delays could increase the possibility of employee protests.
Mishra also said employee organisations do not want to be held responsible for any delay. The commission has asked employees to submit responses to its questions by March 16. Some individuals had sought an extension of the deadline, but employee organisations have made it clear that they will not request any extension. Mishra said employee organisations will work overtime to prepare their responses before the deadline so that any delay cannot later be attributed to employees.
Mishra said employees and pensioners have several concerns regarding the Eighth Pay Commission. Pensioners in particular fear that the government could change rules that might affect their benefits. Mishra said the government already has the authority to accept or reject the recommendations of the Pay Commission. He also stated that the Eighth Pay Commission will ultimately be implemented from January 1, 2026, and that no alternative date is possible.
