Eighth pay commission gets cabinet nod; 18-month panel to impact 5 million govt staff

Expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026 – Vaishnav. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that the Eighth Pay Commission will submit its recommendations within 18 months, which are expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026.

New Delhi: The Cabinet approved the subjects to be considered under the 8th Pay Commission. Former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai has been appointed as the Chairperson. The Commission will consist of a Chairperson, a Member (part-time), and a Member-Secretary.

Expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026 - Vaishnav
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that the Eighth Pay Commission will submit its recommendations within 18 months, which are expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026. The Minister stated that the Commission's recommendations will cover approximately 5 million central government employees, including defense service personnel, and approximately 6.9 million pensioners.

Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme Approved
The Union Cabinet has also approved a nutrient-based subsidy scheme worth ₹37,952 crore for the current Rabi season (2025-26). The government has notified subsidies for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potash (K), and sulfur (S) on a per-kilogram basis.

The new rates will be effective from October 1.
Vaishnav explained that the subsidy rates for this Rabi season are approximately ₹14,000 crore higher than last year. These rates have been determined under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, which takes into account factors such as import prices, nutrient demand, subsidy burden, and maximum retail price (MRP). The new subsidy rates will be effective from October 1. The NBS subsidy system covers 28 grades of P and K fertilizers.

Fixed subsidy rates

• Nitrogen (N): ₹43.02 per kg
• Phosphorus (P): ₹47.96 per kg
• Potash (K): ₹2.38 per kg
• Sulfur (S): ₹2.87 per kg

Rabi sowing has begun in many parts of the country. The major crops this season are wheat, mustard, and gram. The government believes that the new subsidy rates will support crop production by reducing farmers' costs.