Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Rising Dearness Allowance Fuels Higher 8th Pay Commission Demands
The 8th Pay Commission is studying how central government workers and pensioners may be paid in the future.
Worker and pensioner groups say prices have risen and want higher pay increases.
They point to Dearness Allowance, or DA, rising from 46% in July 2023 to 60% in January 2026.
Several groups have asked for a higher fitment factor, which is a number used to work out new basic pay from current basic pay.
Other proposals would combine some DA or pension relief with basic pay.
One postal federation has suggested regular reviews when DA or relief reaches certain levels.
The Commission has held meetings in several parts of India and has more discussions planned.
Its final report is tentatively expected by May or June 2027.
The government will decide what to do after receiving the recommendations.
The three-member 8th Pay Commission panel is chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
The panel held a consultative meeting in Bengaluru on 8 October and is scheduled to discuss matters in Mumbai on 22 and 23 October.
The article says DA rose from 46% in July 2023 to 60% in January 2026.
Unions have proposed fitment factors ranging from 3.61 to 3.833; the NC-JCM staff side also sought minimum basic pay of ₹69,000.
The final report is tentatively expected by May–June 2027, after which the central government will decide on the recommendations.
- Who
- The 8th Pay Commission and central government employee and pensioner organizations.
- What
- The Commission is consulting stakeholders on pay and pension revisions as unions seek higher fitment factors and changes to DA and DR.
- When
- A Bengaluru meeting was held on 8 October, with Mumbai discussions listed for 22 and 23 October; the final report is tentatively expected by May–June 2027.
- Where
- Bengaluru and Mumbai; earlier meetings were also held in Delhi, Ladakh, West Bengal and Puducherry.
- Why
- Unions say rising inflation and living costs should be reflected in pay and pension revisions.
Higher pay and recurring adjustments
Commission and government decisions pending
How to address rising living costs
Higher pay and recurring adjustments
Employee and pensioner organizations are seeking higher fitment factors, DA or DR merger with basic pay, and more frequent pay reviews.
Commission and government decisions pending
The Commission is still considering proposals; its recommendations and the central government's subsequent decision will determine any revised pay structure.
- Commission chair
- Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
- Bengaluru meeting
- Held on 8 October
- Next listed discussions
- Mumbai, 22 and 23 October
- DA change cited
- Rose from 46% in July 2023 to 60% in January 2026
- NC-JCM staff-side proposal
- Fitment factor of 3.833 and minimum basic pay of ₹69,000
- Expected final report
- Tentatively expected by May–June 2027