India, June 24 -- 8th Pay Commission Latest News: As debates around the 8th Pay Commission continue, the Central government has provided major relief to a section of employees appointed on compassionate grounds. In a significant move, the government has clarified that eligibility for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) in such cases will now be decided based on the date of application rather than the date of appointment.

The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) has stated that family members who applied for compassionate appointments on or before December 31, 2003, but received their appointments after January 1, 2004, will be allowed to opt for OPS. However, applicants must have been eligible for appointment when they submitte...