New Delhi, October 30, 2025 — The Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS), one of the nation’s largest federations representing central government pensioners, has penned an urgent letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressing profound concern and seeking immediate intervention regarding the official Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
The letter, signed by the Secretary General of the BPS, highlights the widespread anxiety and disappointment among millions of central government pensioners following the recent announcement of the 8th CPC’s ToR. While welcoming the formation of the Commission, the BPS has pointed out a critical omission that directly impacts the financial security and dignity of all retirees.
A Critical Omission: The Case for Pension Revision
The core of the BPS’s concern is the perceived failure of the announced Terms of Reference to explicitly and unequivocally include a mandate for the review and revision of pension and Dearness Relief (DR) for all categories of pensioners.
The BPS emphasizes that a Pay Commission’s primary function, historically, has been to address the emoluments of serving employees and the pensions of retirees, ensuring that their living standards keep pace with inflation and economic realities. The letter explicitly states:
- The Demand: The BPS urges the government to immediately amend the Terms of Reference to explicitly include the “review and revision of Pension and Dearness Relief” for all categories of retirees, encompassing both pre-2004 (Old Pension Scheme/OPS) and post-2004 (National Pension System/NPS) retirees.
- The Rationale: Pension, as the letter asserts, is not a ‘liability’ but a ‘deferred wage’ and an earned entitlement, crucial for a dignified life in old age. The absence of this specific inclusion has led to widespread apprehension that the 8th CPC’s recommendations may only benefit current employees, neglecting the financial well-being of the retired community.
The pensioners’ body also expressed strong anguish over the inclusion of the phrase “unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes” in the officially approved ToR, arguing that this clause wrongly projects pensioners as a financial burden on the nation. This specific wording, according to the BPS, is an insult to those who have dedicated their lives to public service.
Need for Pensioners’ Representation
In addition to the mandate for revision, the BPS has strongly reiterated its long-standing demand for representation of pensioners on the 8th Pay Commission.
The federation argues that without a representative voice, the unique challenges and needs of the retired community—such as medical expenses, rising cost of living, and specific pension-related anomalies—cannot be adequately brought before the Commission for an equitable and fair resolution.
A Plea for Dignity and Assurance
The BPS concludes its appeal by urging the Hon’ble Prime Minister to intervene and instruct the concerned departments to take immediate, corrective action. A swift amendment to the Terms of Reference will not only alleviate the pervasive anxiety among 69 lakh pensioners but will also reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring a life of dignity and financial security for its senior citizens, especially with the 8th CPC’s recommendations scheduled for implementation from January 1, 2026.
The full text of the letter conveys a desperate plea for clarity, respect, and a just resolution for the community of retirees who have faithfully served the nation.
Bharat Pensioners Samaj Letter
