Latest news with #TermsofReference

The Hindu
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
A.P.'s Polavaram–Banakacherla project fails to get environmental clearance
In a setback to the Andhra Pradesh government, the Central Environmental Expert Committee (EAC) has refused to grant environmental clearance to the proposed Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project. The committee cited multiple objections and emphasised that any further progress must be in line with the verdict of the Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal (GWDT), said EAC report dated June 30. The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), chaired by G.K. Chakrapani, held a meeting in virtual mode on June 17 to examine the proposal. During the session, the committee took into consideration a wide range of objections received through emails and other channels. Several complaints alleged that the project violates the 1980 GWDT judgment. Concerns were also raised about potential submergence issues in the neighbouring States of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, along with pending legal disputes. The committee advised that the Central Water Commission (CWC) be consulted for a comprehensive evaluation of floodwater management and to address environmental and inter-State concerns. It stressed that assessments of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Terms of Reference (ToR), and inter-State water-sharing implications should be done in collaboration with the CWC. Based on these recommendations, the Centre has returned the proposal to the Andhra Pradesh government for further clarification and revision. The EAC observes that the projected benefits of the Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project include provision of drinking water for approximately 80 lakh people, creation of a new irrigation ayacut of 3 lakh hectares, stabilisation of an existing ayacut of 9.14 lakh hectares, supply of 20 tmc ft of water for industrial use, and development of 400 MW of hydropower generation capacity. It noted that the proposed scheme aims to divert floodwaters from the Godavari basin (Polavaram Dam) to the water-deficit basins within the State. The EAC further observed that Environmental Clearance (EC) for the Indira Sagar Polavaram Multipurpose Project on the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh was granted by the Ministry on January 25, 2005. However, due to submergence-related issues in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the matter remains sub judice. Accordingly, the committee recommended that Andhra Pradesh should comprehensively assess the availability of floodwaters in consultation with the CWC. Furthermore, the EAC noted that several representations have been received, alleging that the proposed scheme may be in violation of the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal Award, 1980. So, it is imperative that the Andhra Pradesh should approach the CWC for examining the inter-State issues and granting necessary clearance before submitting the proposal for framing the TOR for conducting EIA study, the panel said.


India.com
a day ago
- Business
- India.com
8th Pay Commission ToR, Chairman Appointment Still In Limbo -- 7th CPCs Timeline For The Same Compared
photoDetails english 2924191 The delay in appointment of chairman and in finalising the Terms of Reference (ToR) has begun to cause anxiety among central government employees since several months have passed after the cabinet approval of the setting up of 8th Pay Commission Updated:Jun 30, 2025, 11:17 AM IST 8th Pay Commission: Chairman Appointment, ToR Yet Not In Sight 1 / 8 The central government employees and pensioners are becoming increasingly concerned about the delay in the appointment of the 8th Pay Commission's chairman and in finalising the Terms of Reference (ToR). 8th Pay Commission: 1.2 Crore Central Govt Employees Pensioners Waiting 2 / 8 More than 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners are eagerly awaiting the formation of the 8th Pay Commission which will revise their salaries and pensions. Despite the government's approval on January 16, 2025, the Pay Commission has not been formally constituted. The ToR and the appointment of the chairman and other important members have also not yet been completed. 8th Pay Commission For Salary Pension, Allowance Revision 3 / 8 The 8th Pay Commission will revise the pensions, allowances and salaries of central government employees and pensioners. It will also revise the Dearness Allowance as per inflation. The 8th Pay Commission benefits about 50 lakh central government employees, including defence personnel. It will also benefit around 65 lakh central government pensioners, including defence retirees. 8th Pay Commission: January 2026 Implementation Prospects Bleak 4 / 8 The prospects for the Commission's implementation on January 1, 2026, appear bleak. While the tenure of the 7th Pay Commission ends on 31 December 2025 and the constitution of the new Commission is in limbo, the central government employees and pensioners are increasingly becoming anxious. ToR, Chairman Appointment: 7th Pay Commission Vs 8th Pay Commission Timeline Compared 5 / 8 The 7th CPC was announced in September 2013 and its chairman and ToR were notified in February 2014. However, since the announcement of the 8th Pay Commission on January 16, 2025, the ToR of the Commission are still pending. The government has also not officially announced the appointment of the chairman and other members of the commission. This indicates a delay in the formation of the 8th CPC. 8th pay commission Delay causing widespread speculation and uncertainty 6 / 8 The National Joint Consultative Machinery (Staff Side)-NCJCM has written a letter to the government requesting that the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission be made public and the 8th CPC committee should be constituted at the earliest. 8th Pay Commission Tor Delay Causes Anxiety 7 / 8 According to the Staff Side, the continued delay in the formal issuance of the ToRs has led to widespread speculation and uncertainty among central government employees and pensioners. It further stated that in the absence of clear and timely communication, apprehensions are growing among employees about the credibility of the announcement regarding the setting up of the 8th CPC. Many fear whether this move is a genuine administrative initiative or otherwise. 8th Pay Commission ToRs NCJCM Staff Side Presses Faster Finalisation 8 / 8 The Staff Side has appealed to the government to issue clear guidelines on the finalized ToRs of the 8th CPC at the earliest, to dispel any ambiguity and restore confidence among the workforce. The Staff Side further requested the government to clarify that the benefits of pay fixation and revision under the 8th CPC shall also be extended to all central government pensioners, thereby removing doubts and ensuring parity and fairness in treatment.


India.com
7 days ago
- Business
- India.com
8th Pay Commission: Delay In Finalisation Of ToR Causes Worry Among Central Govt Employees, NC JCM Writes Letter To Cabinet Secretary
photoDetails english 2921155 Updated:Jun 24, 2025, 12:20 PM IST 8th Pay Commission: ToR In Limbo 1 / 7 The National Joint Consultative Machinery (Staff Side)-NCJCM, which represents central government employees and pensioners, has stepped up its call for the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to be made public. Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary of NCJCM, demanded in an official letter to the Cabinet Secretary on June 18, 2025, that the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 8th CPC should be made public and the 8th CPC committee should be constituted at the earliest. 8th Pay Commission: Widespread speculation and uncertainty 2 / 7 The letter stated that the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions (DoPT) has communicated that the central government has decided to constitute the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) and that the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the Commission are under finalization. However, there has been a delay in the issuance of the ToRs. "The continued delay in the formal issuance of the ToRs has led to widespread speculation and uncertainty among Central Government employees and pensioners alike," the letter said. 8th Pay Commission: Apprehensions rise about credibility of announcement of CPC 3 / 7 The letter stated that apprehensions are growing among employees about the credibility of the announcement regarding the setting up of the 8th CPC. "In the absence of clear and timely communication, apprehensions are growing among employees about the credibility of the announcement regarding the setting up of the 8th CPC. Many fear whether this move is a genuine administrative initiative or otherwise." 8th Pay Commission: Government retains discretion over extention of benefits to pensioners 4 / 7 The letter further stated that a serious concern has also arisen among central government pensioners, particularly given the notification of the finance bill, wherein it has been stated that the Government retains discretion over whether or not to extend the benefit of pay fixation under the 8th CPC to pensioners. "This has led to a growing sense of insecurity and resentment among retired personnel, who have every expectation of being treated equitably alongside serving employees," the letter added. 8th Pay Commission: Requests of employees 5 / 7 The letter has requested the government to consider the following submission in the interest of "transparency, equity, and the overall morale of Central Government employees and pensioners": Issue clear and widely circulated guidelines on the finalized ToRs of the 8th CPC at the earliest, to dispel any ambiguity and restore confidence among the workforce. * Clarify, through a formal directive that the benefits of pay fixation and revision under the 8th CPC shall also be extended to all central government pensioners, thereby removing doubts and ensuring parity and fairness in treatment. * Constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission committee at the earliest. * Prompt decision on the constitution of the Pay Commission The letter said that a prompt and favorable decision from the government will go a long way in boosting the morale of employees and pensioners and in reaffirming the government's commitment to a fair and inclusive pay policy. What is 8th Pay Commission? 6 / 7 The 8th Pay Commission will revise the pensions, allowances and salaries of central government employees and pensioners. It will also revise the Dearness Allowance as per inflation. The CPC benefits about 50 lakh central government employees, including defence personnel. It will also benefit around 65 lakh central government pensioners, including defence retirees. Govt employees awaiting formation of 8th Pay Commission 7 / 7 More than 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners are eagerly awaiting the formation of the 8th Pay Commission which will revise their salaries and pensions. Despite the government's approval on January 16, 2025, the Pay Commission has not been formally constituted. The ToR and the appointment of the chairman and other important members have also not yet been completed.


Business Recorder
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PC to appoint FAs for more Discos to assess sell-off potential
ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission (PC) has decided to appoint Financial Advisors (FAs) for four more power distribution companies—Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO), and Hazara Electric Supply Company (HAZECO)—to evaluate the potential for their privatisation. The decision was made during a meeting of the PC Board, chaired by Muhammad Ali, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatisation. The board's recommendations will now be forwarded to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP), led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar. Currently, three power distribution companies (DISCOs)—Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO), and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO)—are already in the privatisation pipeline, with Financial Advisors actively developing their privatisation models. Discos' sell-off/provincialisation: PMO directs Power Div. to expedite consultations In this second phase, the PC plans to engage FAs to advise on structuring private sector participation in HESCO and SEPCO. Proposals are now invited from qualified firms or consortia with proven experience in similar transactions. Interested parties can access the Request for Proposal (RFP)—including Terms of Reference (ToRs), Evaluation Criteria, and a draft Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA)—at: Applicants must submit both Technical and Financial Proposals via email and courier, along with a non-refundable processing fee of $1,000 (or equivalent in PKR), as outlined in the RFP. The deadline for submissions is July 22, 2025. The PC emphasized that this notice does not constitute a formal offer or commitment, and no express or implied warranties should be assumed. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


India.com
18-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
8th Pay Commission BIG Update: Pensioners' Federation writes to Modi government, Panel likely to be formed by…, Finance Ministry to…
8th Pay Commission Latest Update New Delhi: In a major development, the Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS) has written to the Finance Minister and the Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training, calling for quick action on the 8th Central Pay Commission. The Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS) one of the oldest and largest federations representing pensioners and senior citizens. In the letter, the federation has appealed for early finalization of the Terms of Reference and prompt appointment of the chairman and members of the 8th CPC. Expressing concerns, the federation has said that the delay in fixing the ToR and the appointment of the chairman and members of the 8th CPC is creating an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty among the central government employees and pensioners. The letter written by the BPS reads, '…the lack of further progress — notably the non-finalization of the Terms of Reference and the absence of announcements regarding the Chairman and Members of the Commission- has led to growing unease.' 'The prolonged delay is fuelling rumours, speculations, and misunderstandings, causing anxiety and uncertainty among government pensioners. Unverified information circulating on various media and social platforms is creating confusion and adversely affecting morale.' The federation said, 'Given the criticality of the situation, we humbly request your good offices to kindly expedite the necessary steps.' These steps are as follows: Early finalization of the Terms of Reference (ToR), Prompt appointment of the Chairman and Members of the 8th CPC, and Ensuring representation of pensioners in the Commission. In the letter penned by Secretary General of BPS SC Maheshwari, the federation said that 'Clear and timely communication will not only dispel rumors and reassure stakeholders but will also facilitate the smooth and effective functioning of the Commission to deliver its recommendations on schedule.' Here are some of the important details: More than 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners are eagerly awaiting the formation of the 8th Pay Commission Despite the government's approval on January 16, 2025, the Pay Commission has not been formally constituted. However, according to the reports, the Modi government is likely to form the panel soon. The ToR and the appointment of the chairman and other important members have also not yet been completed. The government on January 16 announced the approval of the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission. The Pay Commission is scheduled to be implemented from January 1, 2026. A look at the process of the 7th commission revealed that it took an average of 2 to 2.5 years to prepare the report and implement it. Given the current circumstances, if the commission is constituted in late 2025 or early 2026, the report will be completed by 2027 or 2028.