8th pay commission: Millions of central government employees and pensioners are waiting for the 8th Pay Commission to be implemented. However, it seems that their wait is going to be long. In fact, the Central Government approved the 8th Pay Commission in January this year. After that it was expected that central employees and pensioners would start getting salary and pension under the 8th Pay Commission from January 2026. However, this does not seem to happen for now.
Why will there be a delay in the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission?
All processes related to the 8th Pay Commission are moving at a very dull speed. So far neither the commission has been formed nor its Terms of Reference (Tor) have been fixed.
Experts believe that in view of the current situation, it seems difficult to implement the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission from January 2026.
In how long did the 7th Pay Commission submitted the report
The 7th Pay Commission was formed in February 2014 and was implemented from January 2016. During that time the government took about two years- to prepare the report, take approval from the cabinet and ensure implementation.
But the absence of an 8th Pay Commission by mid -2025 gives a clear indication that there may be a delay in its implementation. According to media reports, the salary amendment may be postponed by the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027.
How much fitment factor can be
The role of fitment factor is important in the recommendations of the Pay Commission. On the basis of this, it is decided how much the minimum basic salary will increase. This factor in the 7th Pay Commission was 2.57, due to which the minimum original salary was increased from ₹ 7,000 to ₹ 18,000.
Expert estimates that the fitment factor in the 8th commission may be between 1.92 and 2.86. If the fitment factor of 2.86 is disappeared, the minimum wage can reach ₹ 51,000. However, in view of the fiscal burden, the figure between 2.6 and 2.7 is considered to be closer to reality.
How will DA and pension change?
Dearness Allowance (DA) will be included in the original salary with the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission. Currently, the rate of DA is about 55%, which is effective since January 2025. Another increase is expected in July 2025. The merger of DA in the new salary structure will increase the total salary, but with this the new DA calculation will start again from zero. This can limit the increase in DA in the next few years.
The same scripture applies for pensioners. There Dearness Relief (DR) is included in the original pension. This can lead to a big change in monthly pension. Pensioners’ organizations have demanded transparency and clarity in this process.
Also read: When will the 8th Pay Commission be formed, how much salary will increase?