Indian government dispels talks of 8th pay commission before upcoming elections
Story highlights
"There is nothing in the offing regarding setting up the 8th Pay Commission. It's not due at present," NDTV quoted Somanathan as saying.
Dismissing speculations, Finance Secretary TV Somanathan on Thursday, announced that the Indian government has no immediate plans to establish the eighth Pay Commission for the 5.4 million central government employees and pensioners.
"There is nothing in the offing regarding setting up the 8th Pay Commission. It's not due at present," NDTV quoted Somanathan as saying.
Previously, political parties, especially in the run-up to elections, have strategically employed the announcement of Pay Commissions to gain support from central government employees and armed forces personnel.
trending now
)
Hamas-run govt says 700 Palestinians killed in 24 hours as Israel intensifies operations across Gaza
)
India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final
)
Morning brief: Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, and more
)
New York stabbing attack: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoots suspect dead
)
New Zealand on edge: Suspicious packages with fake baby covered in blood found outside US, Israeli embassies
)
This groundbreaking new drug is all set to increase life span of large dogs
)
US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis
)
Indian PM Modi hails four-state election results as victory of 'politics of development'
)
When Tom Hanks worked as Bellman and delivered a bag to Cher in her hotel room
)
CID star Dinesh Phadnis aka Fredericks is on ventilator support: Report
)
Taylor Swift, Simone Biles bring star-power to stand during Packers vs Chiefs
)
Telangana election results 2023: BRS concedes defeat, extends congratulations to Congress
)
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire trailer out! Titans team up to battle new monsterverse villain
)
Ranbir Kapoor's Animal is a massive hit, crosses Rs 200 crore mark worldwide
)
NY fashion designer Mrinalini Kumari who's dressed Beyonce wants Indian artisans to get the spotlight
The 7th Pay Commission was instituted by the Congress-led UPA government months before state and general elections. However, the BJP has opted for a different approach, focusing on reviewing the controversial new pension scheme affecting state and central government employees.
Under the existing scheme, employees contribute 10 per cent of their basic salary, while the government contributes 14 per cent, sparking political debates.
According to NDTV, Finance Secretary Somanathan, who leads the committee assigned with the review, mentioned that they had concluded consultations with all relevant parties and added that their report would be submitted shortly. The proposed changes aim to ensure that employees receive a minimum of 40 to 45 per cent of their last salary.
As the elections inch closer, political pressure is mounting on the Finance Ministry to announce the 8th Pay Commission, irrespective of the upcoming state poll results.
These results, expected on Sunday, are viewed as a prelude to the 2024 national election, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third consecutive term.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
)
