Budget Leaves 8th Pay Panel Hike Unaddressed as Unions Set Feb. 12 Strike Deadline

Officials say the ongoing commission review makes near-term increases unlikely.

Overview

Central employee unions, led by the CCGEW, warned of a one-day nationwide strike on February 12 unless talks on pay, pensions, and staffing begin.
The CCGEW has written to the Cabinet Secretary seeking urgent consultations after the Union Budget 2026–27 made no provision for 8th CPC revisions.
Union demands include merging 50% DA/DR with basic pay and pension, granting 20% interim relief from January 1, 2026, restoring the Old Pension Scheme, and releasing frozen DA/DR instalments.
The 8th Central Pay Commission, set up in November 2025 with an 18-month mandate, is not expected to deliver recommendations within FY27.
Analysts note any hike would come only after the report and government acceptance, and they suggest it could be applied from January 1, 2026 with arrears paid later.