As an increase in Dearness Allowance was announced: The eighth pay commission has been accepted by the union government setting in good news for thousands of working government employees. The significance of this decision, made under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, has lit an atmosphere of happiness among the working class. Though complete details about the pay commission are still unknown, it has already raised hopes among the employees. The pay commission is set up for reviewing salaries, allowances and service conditions for government employees, which was last done by the seventh pay commission in 2016, and now the Eighth Pay Commission is expected to come into force in 2026.
Current Status Of DA And Anticipated Changes
Central government employees are presently entitled to a Dearness Allowance at the rate of 53 percent. This allowance has been made to grant relief from the clutches of inflation; it is revised twice a year in January and July. Experts opine that there may be a rise in Dearness Allowance before the implementation of the Eighth Pay Commission. Estimates indicate that this allowance may even reach 60 percent by the end of 2025 or somewhere in early 2026. It would be carried out in two installments: 4 percent initially, and then 3 percent, leading to a total dearness allowance of 60 percent.
Expectations From 8th Pay Commission
Central employees have high expectations from the Eighth Pay Commission. Judging by the experience gained during the past pay commissions, the employees believe that there will be a sizeable salary rise this time. Some experts believe that after the Eighth Pay Commission, the salary of the employees may be doubled or even more. Besides, there are expectations of improvements in allowances and other facilities. This pay commission is meant to cater to about 50 lakh central employees working in various government departments, including those of central government offices, defense, railways, and postal departments.
Timeline Of Implementation Of Recommendations
The government has made it clear that recommendations of the Eighth Pay Commission will be implemented from 2026. This means that the Pay Commission will be accorded sufficient time to draw up its recommendations. This shows the vision of the government in that it will provide an opportunity to all stakeholders for giving evidence and making suggestions. The government should, therefore, have sufficient time for implementation of the recommendations, which is likely to greatly benefit the employees by avoiding bureaucratic hoops.
Also Read: 8th Pay Commission Salary Hike: RS 7,000 To RS 18,000, Truth Behind The Budget Proposal