CHANDIGARH: The fifth Punjab Pay Commission will present its report to the state  government in January 2009, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal  told the state assembly here Friday.

Replying to a querry by Partap Singh Bajwa (Cong), the Finance Minister assured the House that thereafter the report would be implemented.

" Whether it is implemented in January or it takes time, is not a matter of concern as the cut off date for revision of the salaries of state government employees is January 2006", he stated while pointing out that accordingly arrears would be paid to the employees.

The Minister informed  Bajwa that the Commission was notified in December 2006 and so far it has held 16 meetings till August 29.