8th pay commission: Last week, the Union Cabinet announced an increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for government employees and the dearness relief (DR) for pensioners. However, the Cabinet did not provide any update on the official formation of the 8th Pay Commission. Millions of central government employees and pensioners are still waiting for an update on this. Here’s what we gather from the sources.
8th pay commission: Salary Hike on July 2027?
According to the sources, if the process is completed on time, the new salary could be implemented from July 2027. This includes the official formation of the 8th pay commission and its submission of the potential revised pay hike. It is also been stated that the employees could also receive 18 months’ arrears.
8th pay commission: Why the delay? ToR
8th pay commission was announced in January 2025. However, the follow-up processes, including its notification, are still pending, including the formation of the 8th pay commission. The major reason for the delay is been analysed as the terms of reference (ToR) have not yet been approved. The ToR decides how the commission will work. The National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), which is responsible for giving suggestions, have also submitted its report in January. This has to be approved, then only the 8th pay commission formalities will kick start.
8th pay commission: Arrears
Generally, when the commission is implemented, its effect should be considered from January 1, 2026. If in this case if the report is implemented in July 2027, then the employees could receive 18 months’ arrears. Government employees and the pensioners will be getting a salary increase from July 2027, plus 18 months’ arrears.
7th pay commission
The much-awaited DA increase under the 7th Pay Commission for July 2025 has been approved, with a 3% rise, raising the DA from 55% to 58% last week. The revision will come before Diwali and will be the last DA hike under the 7th Pay Commission. The 8th Pay Commission will take effect from January. The hike will benefit over 1.2 crore employees and pensioners in the country before this Diwali.
