New Delhi: In a key administrative development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of two officers – Smitha Mol M S (IAS:2013:TR) and Ambica Anand (ISS:2019) – to the Eighth Central Pay Commission (8th CPC) under the Department of Expenditure on a lateral shift basis.
The appointments were cleared on Tuesday (April 14, 2026) following recommendations of the Civil Services Board (CSB).
Appointments in 8th Pay Commission
Smitha Mol M S, who was serving as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the 8th CPC.
Her tenure will be on a co-terminus basis with the Commission and is extendable up to April 14, 2029, which corresponds to the balance period of her admissible four-year tenure under the Central Staffing Scheme, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Ambica Anand, currently serving as Director in the Ministry of Steel, has been appointed as Director in the 8th CPC.
Her tenure will also be co-terminus with the Commission and is extendable up to October 13, 2030, aligning with the balance period of her admissible five-year tenure under the Central Staffing Scheme, or until further orders.
Earlier Appointments in 8th CPC
Prior to these appointments, the government had approved the induction of two senior officers as Joint Secretaries in the 8th Central Pay Commission:
- Amit Satija (IAS)
- Niraj Kumar Gayagi (IDAS)
Both were appointed as Joint Secretaries in the Commission, which operates under the Department of Expenditure.
Role of the 8th Pay Commission
The Eighth Central Pay Commission plays a crucial role in reviewing and recommending changes to the salary structure, allowances, and pension benefits of central government employees and pensioners.
The lateral induction of officers at various levels is aimed at strengthening the Commission’s administrative and analytical capacity as it undertakes this important exercise.
