Dr. John Brittas Raises Concerns Over Pensioners’ Rights in 8th Central Pay Commission Terms of Reference

Thiruvananthapuram: Dr. John Brittas, Member of Parliament, has written to the Prime Minister, raising urgent concerns regarding the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission and the validation clause in the Finance Bill, 2025. In his letter, Brittas warned that these provisions could lead to retrospective discrimination among Central Government pensioners, a group that, according to Supreme Court rulings, should be treated as a homogeneous class.

The MP highlighted the lack of any explicit assurance in the ToR that past pensioners will be treated on par with future retirees. He raised serious concerns over the reference to the "unfunded cost of the non-contributory pension scheme" in the ToR, which he said poses a threat to the legal status of pensions as a deferred wage.

John Brittas also expressed his apprehension about continued employee contributions to the pension scheme and the denial of critical benefits under the Unified Pension Scheme. He pointed out that several important issues were missing from the ToR, including the need to reduce the restoration period for commutation, a hike in medical allowances, and the provision of an additional old-age pension. Additionally, he flagged the ambiguities in the ToR affecting employees in Central Government pay scales in Autonomous Bodies.

In his letter, Brittas urged the Government to clarify the validation clause and revise the Terms of Reference to ensure that pensioners' rights are protected and that the pension scheme remains fair for all employees, both current and retired.