Latest Extension for Under Secretary Posts Sparks Concerns
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has once again extended the deadline for applications to four Under Secretary posts in the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), pushing the final submission date to 31 July 2025. This marks the third extension since the initial deadline of 21 May 2025, raising questions about the delay in forming the pay panel. Central government employees and pensioners, who rely on the commission to revise their salaries and pensions, are growing increasingly anxious as the process remains stalled. The extension suggests that the government may still be awaiting applications from qualified candidates, despite repeated delays. This uncertainty has fueled speculation about the administration’s commitment to addressing the long-standing demands of the workforce.
NCJCM Demands Transparency Amidst Ongoing Delays
The National Joint Consultative Machinery (Staff Side)-NCJCM has publicly criticized the government for its lack of transparency in the 8th Pay Commission process. In a recent letter, the organization urged authorities to release the Terms of Reference (ToR) and expedite the formation of the commission. The delay in finalizing the ToR has led to widespread confusion among employees, with many questioning the credibility of the government’s announcement. The NCJCM emphasized the need for clear guidelines to restore confidence, particularly regarding the inclusion of pensioners in the benefits of the revised pay structure. Without concrete action, the workforce remains trapped in a state of uncertainty, affecting morale and productivity.
Comparing 7th and 8th Pay Commissions: A Pattern of Delays
The 8th Pay Commission’s slow progress mirrors the challenges faced by its predecessor, the 7th CPC. While the 7th commission was announced in 2013 and finalized its ToR by 2014, the 8th has yet to complete its formation nearly two years after its official announcement. This pattern of bureaucratic inertia has raised concerns about the government’s ability to deliver timely reforms. Employees and pensioners, who depend on these commissions for financial stability, are now facing prolonged uncertainty. The delay in appointing the chairman and finalizing the ToR has sparked fears that the commission may never materialize, leaving millions without the promised salary and pension revisions.
Financial Implications for Millions of Central Government Workers
The 8th Pay Commission is expected to revise the salaries, pensions, and allowances of over 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners. These changes would also adjust Dearness Allowance to reflect current inflation rates, a critical factor for those reliant on fixed incomes. However, the prolonged delay has disrupted financial planning for many, particularly pensioners who depend on stable monthly payments. The extension of the Under Secretary post deadline further compounds the issue, as it delays the formation of the pay panel responsible for these revisions. Without a clear timeline, the workforce remains in limbo, unable to prepare for the potential changes that could reshape their financial futures.
Call for Urgent Action to Avoid Further Disruption
As the deadline for Under Secretary applications approaches, the government faces mounting pressure to resolve the delays. The NCJCM’s demands for transparency and clarity highlight the need for immediate action to restore trust in the process. Central government employees and pensioners are calling for a definitive timeline for the commission’s formation, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The prolonged delay risks eroding confidence in the administration’s ability to address the workforce’s needs. With the implementation date tentatively set for 1 January 2026, the government must act swiftly to avoid further disruptions and ensure that the 8th Pay Commission fulfills its intended purpose.
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