8th CPC: Pensioner body wants clarity on pension

The Bharat Pensioners’ Samaj (BPS) and the All India Defence Employees’ Federation (AIDEF) have demanded clarity from the government on pension and family pension revisions for central government employees who retired before January 1, 2026. These two bodies represent approximately 10 lakh and 69 lakh pensioners respectively. The AIDEF, which is the largest defence civilian employees’ body, is particularly concerned that despite verbal assurances, the government did not mention pension and family pension revision for retirees in the 8th Pay Commission Terms of Reference (ToR).

The AIDEF argues that the existing ToR does not include any specific provision for the revision of pensions for past pensioners, parity between past and future pensioners, and other retirement benefits. They want the ToR to specifically recommend the revision of pensions, family pensions and the review of other retirement benefits under all pension schemes.

The BPS, on the other hand, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting that the government include explicit clauses regarding pension and family pension revision in the 8th CPC ToR. They argue that pensioners should not be viewed merely as an unfunded fiscal burden and that their role in ensuring financial security during old age should be recognised.

The BPS outlines five key demands for the government, including amendments to the ToR that ensure pension and family pension revision is included, pension parity is examined, and recommendations are implemented for both serving employees and pensioners.