8th Pay Commission: How much DA hike, HRA central employees can expect? Details here

In a major decision, the government on Thursday decided to set up the 8th Pay Commission to revise salaries of central government employees and allowances of pensioners.

The decision to set up the 8th Pay Commission was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

This proactive approach will enable the government to implement the proposed changes effectively before the 7th Pay Commission's tenure ends. The pay commission plays a crucial role in determining salary structures, allowances, and other benefits for government employees, and its recommendations significantly impact millions of workers and pensioners across the country. 

On X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi shared the government's support for its workforce, writing, “We are all proud of the efforts of all Government employees, who work to build a Viksit Bharat. The Cabinet's decision on the 8th Pay Commission will improve quality of life and give a boost to consumption.”

January 16, 2025

The announcement was made months after central government employees' dearness allowance (DA) surpassed 50% of their base pay. Employees and pensioners of the central government started receiving 53% of their base pay as DA/relief on July 1, 2024, with the next revision scheduled for January 2025.

The current pay structure was implemented on January 1, 2016, per the 7th Pay Commission's recommendations. With the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission, it will be revised.

According to reports, the fitment factor, the primary multiplier used to calculate salaries and pensions, may increase from 2.57 to 2.86. However, the precise percentage of the pay increase has not been made public. This might result in a huge increase in the minimum basic income for government employees, from Rs 18,000 to Rs 51,480.

The announcement of the 8th Pay Commission highlights that the government is committed to address the financial and professional needs of its workforce. 

This announcement brings hope to central government employees who rely on pay commissions to ensure fair and timely revisions to their compensation. 

With the 8th Pay Commission set to begin its work soon, employees can expect a thorough review of their pay scales and benefits in line with evolving economic conditions and government priorities.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)