The Union Cabinet has appointed Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the retired Supreme Court judge who spearheaded the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand and Gujarat, as Chairperson of the newly formed 8th Pay Commission. The announcement, made on October 28, 2025, coincides with the Cabinet’s approval of the commission’s Terms of Reference, paving the way for a comprehensive revision of salaries, allowances, and pensions for over 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners.

Justice Desai’s distinguished legal career spans five decades. Joining the bar in 1973 after graduating from Government Law College, Bombay, she began as a junior under Justice Pratap and later worked with her father, eminent criminal lawyer S.G. Samant. Rising steadily, she served as Government Pleader (1979), Special Public Prosecutor (1986), and was appointed to the Bombay High Court bench in 1996. Elevated to the Supreme Court in 2011, she retired in 2014, after which she chaired the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity and the Advance Ruling Authority.

Beyond the judiciary, Justice Desai has played a pivotal role in landmark national reforms. She led the UCC committees in Uttarakhand—the first state to enact the code—and Gujarat, delivering reports that shaped uniform personal laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. She also headed the Delimitation Commission for Jammu and Kashmir, increasing the Union Territory’s assembly seats from 83 to 90, ensuring fairer representation.

Also Read: Election Commission Set to Launch Major Voter Roll Overhaul This November

Under Justice Desai’s leadership, the 8th Pay Commission will engage all stakeholders—including employee unions and state governments—before submitting its report within 18 months. Recommendations will cover fitment factors, salary structures, and pension revisions, with implementation expected from January 1, 2026, following the decadal cycle. The panel’s findings are poised to significantly impact government finances and employee welfare.

With a legacy of judicial excellence, reform leadership, and public service, Justice Desai brings unparalleled credibility to the 8th Pay Commission. As central staff await long-overdue revisions, her appointment signals a meticulous, inclusive, and forward-looking approach to one of India’s most critical administrative reforms.

Also Read: Assam Rallies for Fast-Track Justice in Zubeen Garg Death Mystery