8th Pay Commission: This state has constituted the 8th Pay Commission, salary will increase soon

Assam Sets Up 8th Pay Commission to Review Salaries and Pensions of State Employees

After the Central government initiated the process for the 8th Pay Commission, the Government of Assam has announced the formation of its own 8th Assam Pay Commission to review the salary structure of state government employees. The decision is expected to pave the way for a potential revision in pay scales, allowances, and pensions in the coming years.

According to an official notification issued by the Finance Department, the 8th Assam Pay Commission has been formally constituted in 2026. The commission has been given a timeline of 18 months to submit its recommendations. Once the report is presented, the state government will take a final decision on revising salaries and related benefits.

Leadership and Composition of the Commission

The newly formed commission will be chaired by former Additional Chief Secretary Subhash Chandra Das. In addition to the chairperson, the panel will include seven other members. Together, they will examine various aspects of the current pay structure and recommend necessary changes in line with economic realities and administrative needs.

The last major salary revision in Assam was implemented on April 1, 2016, based on the recommendations of the 7th Assam Pay and Productivity Commission. Since then, government employees have been awaiting clarity on the next round of revisions, particularly in light of inflation and rising living costs.

Scope Beyond Salary Hike

Officials have clarified that the 8th Pay Commission will not be limited to recommending salary increases alone. The broader objective is to strengthen financial stability, improve governance standards, and enhance administrative efficiency.

The commission will also evaluate issues such as:

• Human resource management reforms

• Increased adoption of technology in government departments

• Performance-based work systems

• Rationalization of workforce strength

• Skill development initiatives within departments

By taking a comprehensive approach, the government aims to align employee compensation with productivity and service delivery outcomes.

Pension and Family Pension Review

In addition to salaries and allowances, the commission will examine pension-related matters. This includes reviewing pension and family pension structures while considering factors such as inflation, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the overall fiscal position of the state.

If revisions are approved after the submission of the report, retired employees could also benefit from updated pension payouts. This move is particularly significant for pensioners who rely heavily on fixed incomes amid changing economic conditions.

Employees Outside the Commission’s Purview

Not all categories of personnel will fall under the jurisdiction of the 8th Assam Pay Commission. Certain groups are excluded, including:

• Officers belonging to All India Services

• Employees of academic institutions governed by UGC or AICTE norms

• Judicial service officers

These categories have separate mechanisms for determining their pay structures and are therefore not covered by the state-level commission’s recommendations.

What This Means for Government Employees

The formation of the 8th Assam Pay Commission signals a structured review of compensation policies after nearly a decade. While immediate salary increases are not automatic, the process sets the stage for potential revisions once the commission submits its findings.

Employees can expect a detailed evaluation of pay scales, grade pay structures, allowances, and retirement benefits. However, any financial impact will depend on the government’s acceptance of the recommendations and its fiscal capacity at the time of implementation.

A Broader Administrative Reform Agenda

Beyond financial adjustments, the commission’s mandate reflects a larger administrative reform agenda. By linking compensation to efficiency, technology integration, and skill enhancement, the government aims to modernize its workforce framework.

The next 18 months will be crucial as the commission gathers data, consults stakeholders, and prepares its report. Government employees and pensioners across Assam will be closely watching developments, as the final recommendations could significantly influence their earnings and long-term financial security.

As discussions around the 8th Pay Commission continue at both central and state levels, Assam’s move positions it among the early states to initiate a formal review process.