Speaking after a Union cabinet meeting, Vaishnaw said the Chairperson and two members of the Pay Commission would be appointed soon, with a retired Supreme Court judge typically heading the panel
GUWAHATI: The central government has approved the establishment of the Eighth Pay Commission, a move that stands to benefit approximately 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners, including defence personnel.
ALSO READ: Refusal To Marry Does Not Mean Abetment Of Suicide, Rules Bombay HC
The decision was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and confirmed by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday, January 16.
Speaking after a Union cabinet meeting, Vaishnaw said the Chairperson and two members of the Pay Commission would be appointed soon, with a retired Supreme Court judge typically heading the panel.
Vaishnaw also emphasised the early approval of the new commission, noting that while the term of the Seventh Pay Commission ends in 2026, initiating the process in 2025 ensures timely recommendations. He said the commission would engage with Union and state governments, as well as other stakeholders, before submitting its report.
The Eighth Pay Commission’s recommendations will guide wage revisions for public sector undertakings and state governments. The announcement was welcomed by trade unions, with the All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) expressing gratitude but calling for clarity on key issues such as “living wage” and “living pension.”
The Seventh Pay Commission, meanwhile, chaired by Justice A.K. Mathur, began back in 2014 and implemented its recommendations in 2016, costing the exchequer ₹1 lakh crore in 2016-17.