India, Jan. 6 -- The new year has begun with disappointment for lakhs of Central government employees and pensioners who were expecting higher salaries and pensions from January 1, 2026 under the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC). Even though this date was widely seen as the starting point of the new pay structure, no salary or pension hike has happened yet.

This delay has raised many questions about why the increase has not come, when it will happen, and how big the hike could be once it is approved.

The Union government has officially approved the creation of the 8th Central Pay Commission, which means the process has formally started.

The commission has been given the following leadership:

Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (Retired) - C...