Archive · 18 Jul 2026
8th Pay Commission Discusses Salary Hikes and Allowances
The 8th Pay Commission is currently discussing how to increase the salaries and allowances of central government employees and pensioners.
Around 1 crore people will benefit from these changes.
The commission is talking to different groups to get their suggestions.
They are looking at three main parts of the salary: basic pay, allowances like Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance, and the total salary.
Employee groups want higher basic pay, increased allowances, and better travel allowances.
The commission will make its final recommendations by February 2027.
If the suggestions are accepted, salaries for the lowest-level employees could go up by 65%.
The 8th Pay Commission is discussing pay hikes and allowances for central government employees and pensioners.
Around 1 crore beneficiaries, including 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners, will be affected.
The commission is conducting meetings with employee groups to gather suggestions.
Key focus areas include basic pay, allowances (like DA and HRA), and gross salary.
Employee unions propose a higher fitment factor, increased HRA, and a minimum travel allowance of ₹9,000 per month for Level 1 employees.
- Who
- Central government employees and pensioners, including defence personnel and retirees
- What
- Discussions on pay hikes, allowances, and salary structure by the 8th Pay Commission
- When
- Final recommendations expected by February 2027
- Where
- Across India, with meetings in various states and union territories
- Why
- To review and recommend changes in emoluments, allowances, and other benefits for central government employees and pensioners
Employee Unions
Government Commission
Fitment Factor
Employee Unions
Employee unions demand a higher fitment factor of 3.83 to increase basic pay significantly.
Government Commission
The commission will evaluate the feasibility and desirability of the proposed fitment factor.
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Employee Unions
Unions propose increasing HRA to 36% for X category cities, 24% for Y, and 12% for Z, and linking HRA hikes to Dearness Allowance increases.
Government Commission
The commission will assess these proposals based on current economic conditions and feasibility.
Travel Allowance (TA)
Employee Unions
Unions suggest raising the minimum TA to ₹9,000 per month for Level 1 employees.
Government Commission
The commission will consider the financial implications and practicality of this increase.
- Number of Beneficiaries
- Around 1 crore (50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners)
- Commission Chair
- Former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
- Submission Deadline for Suggestions
- 15 June
- Data Submission Deadline
- 31 July
- Expected Final Recommendations
- February 2027
- Proposed HRA Increase
- 36% for X category cities, 24% for Y, 12% for Z
- Proposed Minimum TA Increase
- ₹9,000 per month for Level 1 employees
- Proposed Salary Increase for Level 1 Employees
- From ₹37,080 to ₹61,344 (65% increase)