8th Pay Commission: Finance Ministry reveals 50.14L staff, 69L pensioners; No DA merger

• The Centre reported 50.14 lakh central government employees and approximately 69 lakh pensioners will benefit from the 8th Central Pay Commission.
• The 8th CPC's implementation date will be decided by the government, with recommendations expected within 18 months of its constitution.
• The 8th CPC will make recommendations on basic pay structure, pensions, allowances, and the fitment factor for central government employees.
• The Finance Ministry clarified there is no current proposal to merge Dearness Allowance (DA) or Dearness Relief (DR) with basic pay.
• Employee body NC JCM requested restoration of the old pension scheme and 20% interim relief for central government employees and pensioners.

Why It Matters: 8th Pay Commission decisions will shape future earnings for millions of govt employees.