Thu Jan 16 09:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Indian Government Announces Eighth Pay Commission, New Launchpad, and Continued Subsidies
**New Delhi, India** – The Indian government announced a series of significant decisions following recent cabinet meetings. Key announcements include the approval of an eighth pay commission for central government employees, the construction of a new launchpad at Sriharikota, and the continuation of subsidies on DAP fertilizer.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that the eighth pay commission’s recommendations will be implemented from 2026, succeeding the seventh pay commission implemented in 2016. The new commission’s recommendations will impact the salaries of millions of central government employees.
In a boost for India’s space program, the government approved the construction of a third launchpad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at a cost of ₹3985 crore. This addition to the existing two launchpads will significantly increase India’s satellite and spacecraft launch capacity, enabling it to meet both domestic and international demand. The project will support the New Generation Launch Vehicle program.
Furthermore, the government confirmed the continuation of several existing initiatives. Subsidies on DAP fertilizer will remain in place, ensuring a 50kg bag continues to cost ₹1350. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme will also continue until 2025-26. Finally, the construction of 85 Kendriya Vidyalayas (Central Schools) and 28 Navodaya Vidyalayas (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas) across the country has been greenlit. The new schools will help fulfill the objectives of the New Education Policy.
First Piper 