For central government employees and pensioners, consultations with the 8th Pay Commission are crucial, as they provide an opportunity to voice their demands—potentially leading to future benefits.

In September 2026, as part of a nationwide consultation process, the 8th Pay Commission will hold meetings with employee and pensioner organizations in major Indian cities. Chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the Commission will meet with central employees, pensioners, and various unions to hear their suggestions and demands. These meetings are scheduled to take place in Jaipur, Chennai, Puducherry, and Chandigarh.

8th Pay Commission Meeting Schedule (August–September 2026)

Jaipur (Rajasthan) – August 31 and September 1, 2026 (Monday and Tuesday)

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – September 7 and 8, 2026 (Monday and Tuesday)

Puducherry – September 9, 2026

Chandigarh – September 16 to 18, 2026

Bengaluru – October 7 and 8, 2026 (New notice issued recently)

Additionally, the Commission plans to visit railway departments under the Central Railway Zone in Mumbai to gather information on the working conditions of railway employees. It is worth noting that the deadline to apply for appointments and participate in the meetings in Jaipur, Chennai, and Puducherry was August 18, 2026—a date that has already passed. Meanwhile, the deadline for delegations to submit applications for the Chandigarh meetings is August 25, 2026 (i.e., today).

What is the agenda for the meetings?

These discussions are part of the Commission's broader effort to engage with all relevant stakeholders. This will provide employee and pensioner organizations with an opportunity to present their views and demands regarding salaries, allowances, pensions, and other service conditions.

While no formal written agenda has been issued for the meetings, these marathon sessions will primarily focus on detailed discussions regarding demands such as the pay structure for central government employees, allowances, minimum wage, the fitment factor, and pension revision. Employee organizations are demanding an increase in the fitment factor from 2.57 to a range of 3.83–4.0 under the Eighth Pay Commission.