 Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 7: The Eighth Central Pay Commission has initiated its consultation process and invited suggestions and representations from stakeholders, with submissions open until April 30, 2026.
According to reports, associations and unions representing serving employees and pensioners, institutions, and individual stakeholders can submit their memorandums through a structured online format.
The format has been made available on the Commission’s official website as well as on the MyGov portal. The Finance Ministry has clarified that all submissions must be made through these online platforms.
Stakeholders have been advised to use only the online system for submitting their views and proposals. Memorandums sent through paper copies, emails, or PDF documents outside the portal may not be considered by the Commission.
The structured format aims to gather detailed suggestions on salary structures, allowances, pensions, and other service-related matters. This exercise forms a crucial part of the consultation process before the Commission finalises its recommendations.
More than 1.1 crore Central government employees and pensioners are closely watching developments related to the 8th Pay Commission, with many expecting revisions in salaries and pensions.
However, an immediate rollout of the revised pay structure in FY27 appears unlikely at this stage. The Commission has been given 18 months to submit its report, which means the final recommendations could be submitted by May 2027.
Given this timeline, the implementation of revised salaries and pensions during FY27 may not be feasible. However, there are indications that the Commission could expedite consultations and submit its report ahead of the deadline.
Traditionally, when the recommendations of a new Pay Commission are implemented, the existing Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) are reset to zero and then gradually restored.
Following the latest revision in October, DA and DR currently stand at 58 per cent.
The implementation of the 7th Pay Commission had a fiscal impact of around Rs 1.02 lakh crore on the government. However, the financial implications of the 8th Pay Commission are expected to be significantly higher.
Estimates suggest the overall cost could range between Rs 2.4 lakh crore and Rs 3.2 lakh crore, mainly due to the larger number of employees and pensioners covered under the system. |