The 8th Pay Commission has been a topic of discussion for a long time among central employees. Everyone is eager to know when the government will introduce the next pay commission and how much the salary of employees will increase. In this context, an important statement has come from the government in the Lok Sabha (Pankaj Chaudhary’s statement), providing new direction to these discussions. Throughout this article, we will share the latest update for central employees in detail.
In response to written questions in the Lok Sabha on 3 December 2024, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated that there is currently no proposal to set up the 8th Pay Commission. He clarified that the salaries and allowances of central employees continue to follow the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, with no plans to form a new one. This official statement ends all speculation about the imminent formation of the 8th Pay Commission.
What’s the Situation After the 7th Pay Commission?
It has been almost 8 years since the 7th Pay Commission came into effect on January 1, 2016. The Commission set the minimum salary for central employees at ₹18,000 and the maximum at ₹2.5 lakh. However, due to rising inflation and cost of living, employee organizations have long been calling for the 8th Pay Commission. The government’s recent statement confirms that there are no plans for such a commission yet.
Dearness Allowance (DA): The Current Hope
Currently, the primary support for central employees comes through Dearness Allowance (DA). The government revises DA every six months, providing salary relief amid inflation. As of now, the DA stands at 53%, with expectations it might rise to 56% in January 2025. However, the hopes for the 8th Pay Commission remain unfulfilled, leaving central employees looking to DA for some relief.
What is the Situation After the 7th Pay Commission?
It has been nearly 8 years since the 7th Pay Commission was implemented, starting on January 1, 2016. Under its recommendations, the minimum salary for central employees was fixed at ₹18,000, and the maximum at ₹2.5 lakh. However, with rising inflation and the increasing cost of living, employee organizations have been demanding the 8th Pay Commission. Despite this, the government’s recent statement confirms that no such plans are in place.
Dearness Allowance (DA) is the Only Relief
Currently, central employees receive some relief through Dearness Allowance (DA), which is revised by the government every six months to help offset inflation. As of now, DA is at 53% and is expected to increase to 56% in January 2025. While DA helps address inflation, the hope for the 8th Pay Commission remains unfulfilled.