Composition of the 8th Central Pay Commission (8th CPC) – Latest Update
The 8th Central Pay Commission (8th CPC) has officially been constituted following the approval of its Terms of Reference (ToR) by the Union Cabinet on Tuesday. This marks the formal start of the process to revise the salaries, allowances, and pensions for Central Government employees and pensioners.
The 8th CPC will function as a temporary advisory body and its full composition, approved by the Cabinet, is as follows:
Role
Name
Current/Former Designation
Chairperson
Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India
Part-Time Member
Professor Pulak Ghosh
Professor (IIM Bangalore)
Member-Secretary
Pankaj Jain
Secretary, Petroleum and Natural Gas
Key Details and Timeline
Mandate: The Commission’s primary mandate is to examine the current pay structure and recommend changes.
Deadline: The panel has been given 18 months from its date of constitution to submit its comprehensive report. It may also submit interim reports on specific issues.
Impact: The recommendations of the 8th CPC are set to benefit approximately 50 lakh serving central government employees and around 69 lakh pensioners.
Areas of Review: The Commission will consider a wide range of factors, including economic conditions, fiscal prudence, the impact on state government finances, and comparative pay structures in the private sector and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs).
Cabinet approves Terms of Reference (TOR) of 8th Central Pay Commission
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the Terms of Reference of 8th Central Pay Commission.
The 8th Central Pay Commission will be a temporary body. The Commission will comprise of one Chairperson; One Member (Part Time) and one Member-Secretary. It will make its recommendations within 18 months of the date of its constitution. It may consider, if necessary, sending interim reports on any of the matters as and when the recommendations are finalized. While making the recommendations the Commission will keep in view the followings:
i. The economic conditions in the country and the need for fiscal prudence;
ii. The need to ensure that adequate resources are available for developmental expenditure and welfare measures;
iii. The unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes;
iv. The likely impact of the recommendations on the finances of the State Governments which usually adopt the recommendations with some modifications; and
v. The prevailing emolument structure, benefits and working conditions available to employees of Central Public Sector Undertakings and private sector.
Background:
The Central Pay Commissions are periodically constituted to go into various issues of emoluments structure, retirement benefits and other service conditions of Central Government employees and to make recommendations on the changes required thereon. Usually, the recommendations of the pay commissions are implemented after a gap of every ten years. Going by this trend, the effect of the 8th Central Pay Commission recommendations would normally be expected from 01.01.2026.
The Government had announced formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission in January, 2025 to examine and recommend changes in the Salaries and other benefits of Central Government employees.
Procedure for joining / relieving of GDS on transfer under Rule-3 in the new APT 2.0 environment – SOP
17-31/2016-GDS(Pt.I) भारत सरकार /Government of India संचार मंत्रालय /Ministry of Communication डाक विभाग /Department of Posts (जीडीएस अनुभाग) /GDS Section
डाक भवन, संसद मार्ग, Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, नई दिल्ली /New Delhi – 110001. Dated: 23 October 2025
To
All Chief Postmasters General
General Manager, CEPT Bangalore/CEPT Unit at Hyderabad.
Subject: Procedure for joining/ relieving of GDS on transfer under Rule-3 in the new APT 2.0 environment- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Sir/ Madam,
With the upgradation of Rule-3 transfer portal under APT 2.0, the relieving and joining process of GDS after their transfer approval will be handled through the portal online. Also, the option to submit a cancellation request, if any, has to be submitted through the online portal, from the Rule-3 Transfer Cycle Oct/Nov-2025 onwards.
2. Accordingly, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to deal with the relieving/ joining process of GDS (On-Request / Mutual Transfer) is enclosed herewith in Annexure-A. The SOP covers the following: –
(i) Cases where Disciplinary/Criminal proceedings are initiated after the transfer is approved or the list has been published, but before actual relieving of the GDS.
(ii) Relieving of Female GDS on Maternity Leave.
(iii) Manner to deal with the mutual transfer involving promotion/ resignation/ voluntary discharge/ termination/ removal/ dismissal/ compulsory discharge/ Death of either of the GDSs
(iv) Standardised format for issuance of relieving and joining orders by the Circle/Division, specifically since the transfers are now being approved through the online portal (Annexure-I & II)
3. CEPT is requested to make necessary provisions in the Rule-3 portal in alignment with the guidelines, with a request to upload the SOP on the GDS Rule-3 Portal for the information of all concerned. Accordingly, all Circles are requested to bring this SOP to the knowledge of all Divisional/Sub Divisional Heads and monitor activities pertaining to the GDS Transfer process, as contained in the SOP at the Circle level and ensure strict compliance as well as its implementation in the letter and spirit.
These issues with the approval of the competent authority.
भवदीय/Yours faithfully,
Digitally Sd/- (आनंद सिंह/Anand Singh) सहायक निदेशक /Assistant Director (GDS) दूरभाष /Tel. No. 011-23096629 ईमेल/Email : adggds426[at]gmail.com
Settlement of Family Pension between two wives of a Government Servant or Pensioner under CCS Rules 2021 : DOPPW Clarification
No 1/1(33)/2024-P&PW(E)/9629 Government of India Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pension Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor, Loft Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi, Dated the 27th October., 2025
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Settlement of Family Pension between two wives of a Government Servant or Pensioner under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 reg.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even number dated 10.10.2024. As stated earlier, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has notified the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 and Rule 50 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 deals with payment of family pension on death of a Government servant/pensioner
2. In accordance with Rule 50 (6) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, the family pension shall be payable to the members of the family of the deceased Government Servant or pensioners in the Following order
i.Subject to provisions of sub-rule (8), widow or widower, (including a post-retiral spouse and judicially separated wife or husband).
ii .Subject to provisions of sub-rale (9), children (including adopted children, step children and children horn after retirement of the pensioner).
iii. subject to provisions of sub-rule (10), dependent parents (including adoptive parents) of the deceased Government servant or pensioner,
iv. subject to provisions of sub-rule (11), dependent siblings (i.e. brother or sister) o the deceased Government servant or pensioner, suffering from a mental or physical disability
3. Whereas the Explanation to Rule 50(6) (1) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 states that – For the purpose of this rule ‘widow’ and ‘widower’ shall mean a spouse, legally wedded to the deceased Government servant or the pensioners
4. Whereas Rule 50(8)(e) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021 states that-
Where the deceased Government servant or pensioner is survived by more widow than one,. the family pension shall be paid to the widows in equal shares and on the death or ineligibility of a widow, her share of the family pension shall become payable to her child or children who fulfil the eligibility conditions mentioned in sub-rule (9).
5. The position with reference to the legality of marriage / spouse was clarified. However. this Department still receives many references seeking clarification on these points. In order to avoid time in decision making, the rule position is re-iterated. Having second wife when the first wife is alive is against the provisions of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and also contradictory to the provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021. For the administrative authority,. it is very important to have application of mind while examining such cases and interpreting the Rules. For any disputes arising out of them, the replies / briefs for the tribunals / courts need to be suitably prepared in accordance with the provisions of CCS (Pension) Rules and extant guidelines.
6. All Ministries/Departments are requested to follow the process of consultation with Department of Legal Affairs before arriving at decision regarding Settlement of Family Pension between two wives under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021. Such cases must be brought to the notice of the officer dealing with the pensioners’ benefits in the respective Ministry/Department by the attached/subordinate offices etc.
7. इन्हें सक्षम प्राधिकारी के अनुमोदन से जारी किया गया है।
(Dilip Kumar Sahu) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
To, All MinistriesiDepartnients/Organisations, (As per standard list)
Enhanced Rate of Family Pension Death after Retirement cases: DOPPW Clarification O.M dt 27.10.2025
No, 1/1(90)12024-P&PW(E)-Part(1)/10344 Governinent of India Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor., Lok Nayak Bhavan. Khan Market, New Delhi, Dated the 27th October, 2025
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject Clarification regarding Enhanced Rate of Family Pension Death after Retirement cases — reg.
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has been receiving few references/RTI applications etc. seeking information / clarification regarding Enhanced Rate of Family Pension after death of government employee after retirement
2. In this connection, it may be stated that as per Rule 50(2)(a) (iii) of CCS (Pension) Rules! 2021, the family pension after the death of Government employee is granted to the eligible family members of the employee at enhanced rate as under:
“(2)(a)(iii): In the event of death of a Government servant after reiirement, the family pension shall be payable for a period of seven years, or. for a period up to the date on which the retired deceased Government servant would haves. attained the age of sixty-seven years had he survived, whichever is less.
3. There are some references seeking clarification on the calculation of this period where the age of retirement is more than 60 years like the age of retirement of Central Health Service (CHS) doctors is 65 years and the officer retires at the age of 65 and dies unfortunately before 67. It is clarified that the provisions of Rule 50 (2)(a)(iii) is applicable in all cases i.e. whether the retirement age is 60 or 65 years. In all such cases, the enhanced family pension is payable for a period of seven years, or for a period up to the date on which the retired deceased Government servant would have attained the age of sixty-seven years had he survived, whichever is less.
Productivity Linked Bonus for the Defence Civilian employees of the Indian Navy for 2024
No.20(5)/2025-D(JCM) Government of India Ministry of Defence
New Delhi, dated the 24th October, 2025
To The Chief of the Naval Staff, New Delhi.
Subject: Productivity Linked Bonus for the Defence Civilian employees of the Indian Navy for the year 2024-2025.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to the Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme circulated vide this Ministry’s letter No. F-24(9)/80/D(JCM), dated 28th September, 1983, as amended from time to time, and to convey the sanction of the President to the payment of 33 days’ (Thirty-Three days) wages as PLB for the year 2024-2025 to the eligible Defence Civilian employees of the Indian Navy.
2. The entitlement has been worked out on the basis of the working results for the year 2024-2025 in accordance with the agreed formula.
3. The PLB shall be paid to all eligible Gp.’B’ (Non-Gazetted) and Gp. ‘C’ civilian employees of Indian Navy who are covered under PLB Scheme for the Accounting Year 2024-2025. The calculation ceiling of Rs.7000/- (7000×33/30.4) and other terms and conditions of the PLB Scheme will remain unchanged.
4. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to Defence Service Estimates under respective Heads to which the pay and allowances of these employees are debited. The entire expenditure on the payment of PLB is to be met out of the sanctioned budget grant for the year 2025-2026, without any additionality.
5. This issues with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance (Deptt. of Expenditure) vide their I.D. No. 11-04/2020-E.III-A dated 23.10.2025 and MoD(Fin) ID No.28028/02/2022/AG/PB dated 23.10.2025.
6.This is in supersession of this Ministry’s letter of even no. dated 23.10.2025.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/- (Gopal Mehra) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India Tele: 2301 1260
Productivity Linked Bonus for the eligible Defence civilian employees of the Indian Air Force for 2024-2025
F. No. 20(3)/2025-D(JCM) Government of India Ministry of Defence
New Delhi, dated the 23rd October, 2025
To
The Chief of the Air Staff, New Delhi.
Sub: Productivity Linked Bonus for the eligible Defence civilian employees of the Indian Air Force for the year 2024-2025.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) Scheme circulated vide this Ministry’s letter No. F-24(10)/80/D(JCM), dated 2nd November, 1983 as amended from time to time and to convey the sanction of the President to the payment of 40 days (Forty days) wages as PLB for the financial year 2024-2025 to the eligible Defence civilian employees of the Indian Air Force.
2. The entitlement has been worked out on the basis of the working results for the financial year 2024-2025 in accordance with the agreed formula.
3. The PLB shall be paid to all eligible Gp.’B’ (Non-Gazetted) and Gp. ‘C’ civilian employees of Indian Air Force who are covered under PLB Scheme for the Accounting Year 2024-2025. The calculation ceiling of Rs.7000/-(7000×40/30.4) and other terms and conditions of the PLB Scheme will remain unchanged.
4. The expenditure on this account will be debitable to Defence Service Estimates under respective Heads to which the pay and allowances of these employees are debited. The entire expenditure on the payment of PLB is to be met out of the sanctioned budget grant for the financial year 2025-2026, without any additionality.
5. This issues with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance (Deptt. of Expenditure) vide their I.D. No.11-03/2020-E.III-A, dated 23.10.2025 and MoD(Fin) ID No. 28028/01/2022/AG/PB dated 23.10.2025.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/- (Gopal Mehra) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India Tele: 2301 1260
Productivity Linked Bonus for the eligible Defence civilians of the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC)/Indian Army for 2024-2025
F. No.20(4)/2025-D(JCM) Government of India Ministry of Defence
New Delhi, dated the 23rd October, 2025
To
The Chief of the Army Staff, New Delhi.
Sub: Productivity Linked Bonus for the eligible Defence civilians of the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC)/Indian Army for the year 2024-2025.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) Scheme circulated vide this Ministry’s letter No. F-24(6)/80/D(JCM), dated 28th September, 1983 as amended from time to time and to convey the sanction of the President to the payment of 40 days (forty days) wages as PLB for the financial year 2024-2025 to the eligible Defence civilian employees of the AOC/Indian Army.
2.The entitlement has been worked out on the basis of the working results for the financial year 2024-2025 in accordance with the agreed formula.
3.The PLB shall be paid to all eligible Gp.’B’ (Non-Gazetted) and Gp. ‘C’ civilian employees of (AOC)/ Indian Army who are covered under PLB Scheme for the Accounting Year 2024-2025. The calculation ceiling of Rs.7000/-(7000×40/30.4) and other terms and conditions of the PLB Scheme will remain unchanged.
4.Productivity Linked Bonus to the casual labourer will be paid at the assumed wages of Rs.1200/-p.m. (1200×40/30.4) for the Accounting Year 2024-2025. However, in cases where the actual wages fall below Rs.1200/- p.m., the amount will be calculated on the actual monthly wages. The other conditions remain unchanged.
5.The expenditure on this account will be debitable to Defence Service Estimates under respective Heads to which the pay and allowances of these employees are debited. The entire expenditure on the payment of PLB is to be met out of the sanctioned budget grant for the financial year 2025-2026, without any additionally.
6.This issues with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance (Deptt. of Expenditure) vide their I.D. No. 11-08/2019-E.III A dated 23.10.2025 and MoD (Fin) vide their ID No.28028/03/2022- AG/PB dated 23 .10.2025.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/- (Gopal Mehra) Under Secretary to the Govt. of India Tele: 2301 1260
Guidelines for referring the cases to DoPPW for advice / clarification / consultation: DOPPW Office Memorandum dated 24th October, 2025
No. 1/1(51)/2024-P&PW(F)/9852 भारत सरकार/ Government of India कार्मिक, लोक शिकायत और पेंशन मंत्रालय/ Department of Personnel, PG & Pensions पेंशन एवं पेंशनभोगी कल्याण विभाग/ Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi, Dated the 24th October, 2025
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Guidelines for referring the cases to Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) for advice / clarification / consultation.
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) is the Nodal Department for Pension and pension related policy matters for Central Government employees. DoPPW has formulated and issued many rules like CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, regulations / OMs / guidelines etc. The implementation of these rules is the responsibility of the concerned Ministry / Department / Office. Wherever any difficulty in interpretation / implementation in respect of any particular rule is found, they can seek advice / clarification from DoPPW. It implies that the concerned office should first examine the case with reference to the relevant rules / regulations and shall come to a tentative conclusion. Even thereafter, if any advice / clarification / consultation with reference to any specific rule(s) / point(s) is required, the case may be referred to DoPPW.
2. The rules notified by DoPPW are self-explanatory and have provisions / clarifications for varied situations. It has, however, been observed that some Ministries / Departments / Offices refer certain cases involving above rules to this Department in routine manner without the cases being examined thoroughly at the first level in the respective Ministry / Department. Some offices refer such cases directly. This practice has resulted in situations where this Department is required to examine such cases ab-initio on behalf of the concerned Ministry / Department even those cases that could ideally be resolved at their level or Ministry / Department without any need to refer to this Department if examined properly by them initially.
3. As stated above, this Department has already circulated detailed rules / regulation / guidelines, the authority for their implementation. Decision making in most of the cases rests with the concerned Ministries / Departments / Offices. This Department vide OM of even number dated 12.12.2024 had circulated general guidelines regarding referring the cases to DoPPW for advice. However, it has been observed that still few offices do not follow these guidelines resulting delay in furnishing advice by DoPPW.
4. In view of the above and to avoid delays in decision making, the following fresh guidelines for referring the matter to DoPPW henceforth for advice / clarification / consultation are prescribed as under:
i. The employees of railways, statutory bodies, Defence personnel, autonomous bodies, PSU/Banks etc are not covered under the rules notified by DOPPW. Hence, only the cases covered under the rules of DoPPW should be referred for advice.
ii. The cases should initially be examined at the level of concerned Ministry / Department / Office thoroughly with reference to the provisions of the concerned rules / regulations.
iii. If, after such examination, a department still encounters difficulties, ambiguities or need otherwise, it may refer the matter to this Department incorporating the following:
a. A comprehensive proposal detailing the background, examination carried out by the department and its tentative conclusion.
b. Specific references to the rule / provisions on which advice / clarification / consultation is required.
c. detail of the case if not specifically covered by the prevalent rules / regulations. The justification of the exemption, if any, required.
d. While sending the proposal, the name, designation (telephone numbers and e-mail ids) of the concerned officers may also be indicated.
e. The proposal well in advance along with all relevant record preferably through e-file (where e-file system is functional) should be referred through the administrative Ministry / Department along with their comments with the approval of the Secretary concerned. This is equally essential for the Ministries / Departments for maintaining uniform stand in all the similar cases concerning offices under their control.
5. The contents of this Office Memorandum may please be given wide publicity and brought to the notice of all concerned.
(ध्रुबज्योति सेनगुप्ता) / (Dhrubajyoti Sengupta) संयुक्त सचिव, भारत सरकार/ Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India Tele. No. 24625540
Clarification regarding eligibility for payment of gratuity to the Central Government Servant under Central Civil Services (Payment of Gratuity under National Pension System) Rules, 2021 on resignation
No. 2/8/2025-P&PW(F)/11164 भारत सरकार/Government of India कार्मिक, लोक शिकायत और पेंशन मंत्रालय /Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions पेंशन एवं पेंशनभोगी कल्याण विभाग/ Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhavan, Khan Market, New Delhi, Dated the 24th October, 2025
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Clarification regarding eligibility for payment of gratuity to the Central Government Servant under Central Civil Services (Payment of Gratuity under National Pension System) Rules, 2021 on resignation.
Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has been receiving various references/RTI applications etc seeking information / clarification regarding eligibility for payment of gratuity to the Central Government Servant under NPS on resignation.
2.The Rule position with reference to the government employees covered under the Central Civil Services (Payment of Gratuity under National Pension System) Rules, 2021 is as under:Pension planning service
Rule 22 – Regulation of Retirement Gratuity and Death Gratuity:
22. Retirement gratuity or death gratuity. – (1) A Government servant, who has completed five years’ qualifying service and who, –
(i) retires on attaining the age of superannuation, or on invalidation, or
(ii) retires or is retired, in advance of the age of superannuation in accordance with rule 56 of the Fundamental Rules, 1922 or rule 12 of the Central Civil Services (Implementation of National Pension System) Rules, 2021; or
(iii) on being declared surplus to the establishment in which he was serving, opts for Special Voluntary Retirement Scheme relating to voluntary retirement of surplus employees; or
(iv) on has been permitted to be absorbed in a service or post in or under a Corporation or Company wholly or substantially owned or controlled by the Central Government or a State Government or in or under a body controlled or financed by the Central Government or a State Government, shall, on his retirement, be granted retirement gratuity equal to one-fourth of his emoluments for each completed six monthly period of qualifying service, subject to a maximum of 16% times the emoluments.
Rule 17 : Forfeiture of service on resignation:
(1) Resignation from a service or a post, unless it is allowed to be withdrawn in the public interest by the appointing authority, entails forfeiture of past service.
(2) A resignation shall not entail forfeiture of past service if it has been submitted to take up, with proper permission, another appointment, whether temporary or permanent, under the Government where service qualifies.
(5) A resignation submitted for the purpose of rule 32 shall not entail forfeiture of past service under the Government.
Rule 32 : Benefit on absorption in or under a corporation, company or body:
(1) A Government servant who has been permitted to be absorbed in a service or post in or under a corporation or company wholly or substantially owned or controlled by the Central Government or a State Government or in or under a body controlled or financed by the Central Government or a State Government, shall be deemed to have retired from service from the date of such absorption and, subject to sub-rule (4), he shall be eligible, on such absorption, to receive retirement gratuity on the basis of the qualifying service and emoluments on the date of absorption in accordance with rule 22.
3.It is observed from the above that retirement gratuity after completing of 5 years’ of service is applicable only on retirement as detailed in Rule 22 above. It is also clear that resignation [(except technical resignation as mentioned under Rule 17 (2) above or deemed retired / absorption as mentioned in Rule 17(5) and Rule 32 above)] forfeits past services and no gratuity is payable in such cases.
4.The contents of this Office Memorandum may please be given wide publicity and brought to the notice of all concerned.
5.इसे सक्षम प्राधिकारी के अनुमोदन से जारी किया गया है।
(दिलीप कुमार साहू) / (Dilip Kumar Sahu) अवर सचिव, भारत सरकार / Under Secretary to the Govt.of India Tele. No. 011-24641627
To,
All Ministries/Departments/Organisations. (As per standard list)
