New Delhi:
In a major development for government employees, Assam has officially announced the formation of the 8th State Pay Commission, becoming the first state in India to take this step. The decision comes at a time when central government employees are eagerly awaiting clarity on salary revisions under the 8th Central Pay Commission.
The announcement was made at a public event in Guwahati by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, marking a significant milestone in employee welfare and governance reforms.
Assam Leads the Way in Pay Reforms
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister stated that while the Central Government has already issued the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Central Pay Commission, no state had taken the initiative to form its own pay commission—until now.
The Assam Cabinet has approved the constitution of the 8th State Pay Commission under the chairmanship of former Chief Secretary Shubhas Das. With this decision, Assam sets a precedent for other states across the country.
“This move reflects our commitment towards employee welfare and progressive governance,” said the Chief Minister.
What Happens After the 7th Pay Commission?
The 7th Pay Commission officially ended on December 31, 2025. With its conclusion, expectations around the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission have intensified among government employees.
While salary hikes are widely anticipated, experts caution that the rollout may take time due to procedural and financial evaluations.
https://doe.gov.in/central-pay-commission
When Will the 8th Pay Commission Be Implemented?
According to Bank of Baroda’s Chief Economist Madan Sabnavis, the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission could be delayed until FY 2027–28 or even FY 2028–29.
Other experts point out that:
- The Central Government approved the Pay Commission framework in early 2025
- Formal notifications were issued around November 2025
- Typically, a Pay Commission takes around 18 months to submit its recommendations
Based on this timeline, final approval and notification of the new salary structure are expected by late 2026 or early 2027.
Why Assam’s Decision Matters
- Assam becomes the first Indian state to announce the 8th State Pay Commission
- It increases pressure on other states to follow suit
- Sends a strong signal on employee-centric governance
- Aligns state-level reforms with upcoming central pay revisions
Final Word
Assam’s early move on the 8th State Pay Commission is being seen as a landmark decision that could influence pay policy across India. While implementation timelines remain cautious, the announcement itself has boosted morale among government employees nationwide.
