Business Reporter, New Delhi: More than one crore employees and pensioners of the central government are eagerly awaiting the formation of the 8th Pay Commission. Given the rising inflation, demands for an increase in salaries have intensified. The current 7th Pay Commission will complete its 10-year term in January 2026, which has led to growing calls for the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission. It is expected that with the arrival of the 8th Pay Commission, the minimum basic salary could rise from ₹18,000 to ₹34,500. There are also hopes that the government may set up the 8th Pay Commission in the upcoming year.
When Will the 8th Pay Commission Be Formed?
Typically, the central government forms a new pay commission every 10 years. The 7th Pay Commission was established in 2014, and its recommendations were implemented starting January 2016. Following this pattern, it is expected that the 8th Pay Commission will be set up in 2025, with its recommendations being applied in January 2026.
However, the government has not yet made any official announcements regarding the formation of the 8th Pay Commission. A senior member of a government employees’ union mentioned that representatives recently met with the Cabinet Secretary on this issue. The secretary pointed out that 2026 is still far away and that it might be too early to discuss the formation of the commission.
Under the 7th Pay Commission, employees saw a 23% increase in their salaries, a hike that was higher than the one made under the 6th Pay Commission. Reports suggest that under the 8th Pay Commission, the minimum basic salary could be raised from ₹18,000 to ₹34,500.
Possible Changes to the Dearness Allowance Formula
The formula for calculating the Dearness Allowance (DA), based on the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, could be revised in the 8th Pay Commission. The 2024 Economic Survey suggested separating food inflation from India’s inflation target. According to associations, there may be changes in the DA calculation formula under the 8th Pay Commission, potentially leading to greater benefits for employees. Central government employees are hopeful that the 8th Pay Commission will bring a significant salary increase.