Bharat Pensioners Samaj Requests Key Amendments in the Terms of Reference of the 8th Pay Commission
The Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS), one of India’s oldest and most respected pensioners’ organisations, has submitted an important representation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Finance Minister regarding critical amendments in the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Pay Commission.
Established in 1955, BPS represents lakhs of Central Government pensioners and family pensioners from more than 130 departments. For decades, the organisation has worked tirelessly with the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW), regularly addressing grievances through CPENGRAMS and Pension Adalats and contributing to national policy discussions.
In its recent communication dated 17 November 2025, the BPS has highlighted several essential issues that require immediate inclusion in the ToR of the 8th Pay Commission to safeguard the interests of serving employees, pensioners, and family pensioners.
1. Inclusion of the Implementation Date for 8th Pay Commission Recommendations
BPS has emphasized the long-established practice of implementing Central Pay Commission recommendations every ten years with effect from the first day of January. Historically, all Pay Commissions since the 4th CPC have been implemented on:
- 4th CPC – 01.01.1986
- 5th CPC – 01.01.1996
- 6th CPC – 01.01.2006
- 7th CPC – 01.01.2016
Maintaining this continuity, BPS has requested that the 8th Pay Commission recommendations must be implemented from 01.01.2026, and that this date should be formally included in the ToR.
2. Revision of Pension and Removal of Objectionable Terminology
A. Pension Revision & Parity
The current ToR does not clearly mention pension revision for the nearly 69 lakh pensioners and family pensioners under OPS, UPS, and NPS.
To ensure fairness, BPS has requested adding the following in the ToR:
“To examine the principles which should govern the structure of pension and other retirement benefits, including revision of pension and parity for all employees irrespective of their date of retirement.”
B. Removal of the Phrase “Unfunded Cost of Non-Contributory Pension Schemes”
BPS has strongly objected to the term used in Para (e)(ii) of the existing ToR.
They argue that:
- The term undermines constitutionally and judicially recognised pension rights.
- The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that pension is a right, not a bounty.
- No such terminology is used for pensions of MPs, Judges, or constitutional authorities.
- As a model employer, the Government must uphold the dignity of retired employees.
BPS has requested deletion of the phrase and replacing it with wording focused on pension welfare and revision.
Additionally, the organisation has demanded that the 8th Pay Commission be directed to review the restoration timeline for commuted pension (after 11 years) and grant additional quantum of pension every five years, as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
3. Examination of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
Around 26 lakh employees recruited after 01.04.2004 continue to express dissatisfaction with NPS/UPS. A large majority favour the Old Pension Scheme.
BPS has requested that the 8th Pay Commission be given a clear mandate to:
- Examine OPS vs. NPS/UPS
- Recommend the most beneficial and socially secure pension system
- Address the nationwide demand for restoration of OPS
4. Inclusion of Autonomous Bodies and GDS Under 8th Pay Commission Benefits
BPS has urged the government to extend the 8th Pay Commission benefits to:
- Employees of Autonomous and Statutory Bodies
- Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS), who form the backbone of the Postal Department
This inclusion, they say, will ensure uniform treatment of employees who contribute to essential public services.
5. Grant of 20% Interim Relief
Considering delays in the constitution and implementation of the 8th CPC, as well as rising living costs, BPS has demanded 20% Interim Relief for nearly 1.2 crore Central Government employees and pensioners.
This, they argue, will help reduce hardship and maintain morale among those who keep the government machinery functioning smoothly.
6. Strengthening Health Benefits for Pensioners and Employees
BPS has requested that the 8th CPC review and strengthen the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) with focus on:
- Inclusion of employees from Autonomous and Statutory Bodies
- Opening more CGHS Wellness Centres at district level
- Ensuring cashless, smooth, and timely medical treatment
- Implementing reforms recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee
Conclusion
The Bharat Pensioners Samaj has put forward a set of well-reasoned, fair, and long-pending demands to ensure equity and social security for Central Government employees and pensioners. By revising the ToR of the 8th Pay Commission to include pension revision, OPS review, health reforms, and interim relief, the Government can further strengthen trust and welfare systems for millions of citizens who have served the nation with dedication.