.Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Information & Broadcasting has stated on 16th January, 2025 that the Central Cabinet has approved the constitution of 8th Central Pay Commission.

Actually, the constitution of the 8th Pay commission had become overdue as the 7th Pay Commission was appointed in February, 2014 and the report was submitted only in November, 2016. That is the reason for the demand of appointment of 8th Pay Commission by almost all the organisations of central government employees and pensioners. But Modi government had been ignoring the demand warranting launch of struggles by Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers, Railway Federations and pensioners under the banner of NCCPA. The six phased agitation waged by NCCPA was culminated in the Massive Dharna held at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 13-11-2024. Several Members of Parliament also raised the issue in Parliament. Thus the government was put under tremendous pressure.

Another pressure is the Delhi elections in which BJP is fighting a tough battle against AAP to regain power in the capital state. Certainly, central government employees and pensioners numbering several lakhs are a vote bank.

Though Modi government was actually compelled to take the decision of constitution of 8th Central Pay Commission, all have welcomed the decision and wait for the constitution of the Pay Commission and eager to know about the terms of reference. So the need of the hour is to have a united stand on demands by the central government employees and pensioners organisations.