Why Pension Revision by 8th Pay Commission is a Constitutional and Moral Necessity

 Why Pension Revision by 8th Pay Commission is a Constitutional and Moral Necessity

 Namaskar.

This message is for every retired government employee, every senior citizen who gave the best years of their life in service to the nation, and every citizen who believes in fairness, justice, and dignity for the elderly.

Today, we speak about a crucial issue    the need for upward revision of pension for existing pensioners by the 8th Central Pay Commission.

Let us understand why this is not just a demand… but a constitutional, economic, and moral necessity.

 Section 1 – Equality Under the Constitution

In 1982, the Hon’ble Supreme Court, in the landmark case of D.S. Nakara versus Union of India, declared that pensioners form a homogeneous class. It held that pension cannot be denied or reduced just because someone retired earlier than others.

This principle flows directly from Article 14 of the Constitution – the Right to Equality.

When pay is revised for serving employees, pension must also be revised for those who once held those very positions. Anything else is discrimination.

 Section 2 – Pension is a Right, not a Charity

Pension is not a gift. It is a deferred wage — money earned by the employee, paid after retirement.

It exists to ensure economic security in old age.

And with rising prices, especially for essentials like food, electricity, rent, and medicines, a stagnant pension fails to provide even a basic standard of living.

 Section 3 – What the Vth Pay Commission Said which  stands validated vide Finance Act 2025

 The 5th Central Pay Commission, in paragraph 127.9 of its report, accepted that international pension benchmarks range between 50% to 100% of last pay drawn.

Their own experts recommended 67%, although they admitted that a sudden jump from 50% to 67% might not be financially viable at that time.

But that was over three decades ago. The need for a reasonable upward revision remains valid, and long overdue.

Section 4 – Realities Faced by Pensioners Today

Pensioners have no promotions, no increments, no performance pay. Their income is fixed — while the cost of living keeps rising.

At the same time, healthcare expenses multiply with age. Many pensioners suffer from chronic illnesses, require long-term treatment, or depend on caregivers.

Without periodic pension revision, many are forced to compromise on basic needs, and even dignity.

 Section 5 – Why Parity is Essential

When one section of employees   the serving staff   receives benefits, while the retired class is ignored, it creates an artificial divide.

Pensioners and serving employees come from the same service background. Justice demands parity.

 Section 6 – Global Practices & Government's Responsibility

Across the world, developed countries revise pensions based on inflation or wage growth.

India, as a welfare state, must ensure its senior citizens are not left behind.

The Government, being the model employer, has a moral and ethical duty to support those who built the system it runs today. 

Conclusion  Strong and Hopeful

We, the pensioners of India, are not demanding charity.

We are demanding what is rightfully ours  justice, parity, and dignity.

We urge the 8th Pay Commission to recognize this reality and recommend a fair and substantial upward revision of pensions for all existing pensioners.

Let us stay united, informed, and strong   for our rights, for our dignity, and for the future of all retirees.

Thank you.

Jai Hind. Jai Pensioners.