Bhubaneswar, Dec. 9 -- The Union Finance Ministry placed the latest official figure of central government employees at 50.14 lakh and pensioners at around 69 lakh, confirming the number of beneficiaries linked with the forthcoming 8th Central Pay Commission.

The information was presented in a written response in the Lok Sabha, where the government was asked about implementation plans, Terms of Reference and consultation mechanisms for the next pay revision cycle, according to reports by The Economic Times.

Reports stated that the implementation date would be determined by the Union government. The Commission would submit its recommendations within 18 months of being set up, and that sufficient budgetary provision would be arranged after...