Cabinet Greenlights 8th Pay Commission: A Game-Changer for Government Employees

The Cabinet has given the go-ahead for the 8th Pay Commission's Terms of Reference, with implementation slated for January 1, 2026. The commission's recommendations are set to benefit approximately 50 lakh central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners.

The panel, which includes one chairperson, one member (part-time), and one member-secretary, is expected to deliver its recommendations within 18 months of its formation. Former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai will lead the commission.

The Pay Commission's interim report will guide the implementation date, according to I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Although the exact date remains undecided, January 1, 2026, is the anticipated timeline. Additional members include IIM Bangalore's Professor Pulak Ghosh and Petroleum Secretary Pankaj Jain.