Business: The Cabinet approved the subjects to be considered under the 8th Pay Commission. Former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai has been appointed president. 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 said that the Eighth Pay Commission will submit recommendations within 18 months, which are likely to be implemented from January 1, 2026. The minister informed that the recommendations of the commission will cover about 50 lakh central government employees, including defense services personnel and about 69 lakh pensioners.
Nutrient based subsidy scheme approved
The Union Cabinet has also approved a nutrient-based subsidy scheme of Rs 37,952 crore for the current Rabi season (2025-26). The government has notified subsidies for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K) and Sulfur (5) on per kilogram basis.
New rates will be applicable from October 1
Vaishnav said that the subsidy rates for this Rabi have been kept higher by about Rs 14,000 crore compared to last year. These rates have been decided under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, taking into account factors such as import prices, demand for nutrients, subsidy load and maximum retail price (MRP). The new subsidy rates will be applicable from October 1. 28 grades of P and K fertilizers are covered under the NBS subsidy regime.
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 started in many parts of the country. The main crops in this season are wheat, mustard and gram. The government believes that the new subsidy rates will support crop production by reducing costs for farmers.
