DA/DR Hike: 2028 is still more than two years away. However, based on past experience, it has taken two to three years for a Pay Commission to be formed and implemented.
8th Pay Commission Update: Good news arrived for central employees and pensioners at the beginning of 2025. On January 16, 2025, the Modi government announced the 8th Pay Commission. However, September 2025 is about to end, and the Commission is still awaiting official notification, the ToR, and the appointment of members. This is causing growing concern among employees and unions. Meanwhile, the big question is: will the 8th Pay Commission be implemented by 2028?
One Commission took two to three years to implement
The year 2028 is still more than two years away. However, considering previous experience, it has taken two to three years for a Pay Commission to be formed and implemented. If the same thing happens this time, central employees may have to wait until 2028. Let’s look at the timeline of the last two Pay Commissions. This will help you gauge the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission.
Timeline of the Sixth Pay Commission
> The Commission was constituted in October 2006.
> The Commission submitted its report to the government in March 2008.
> It was accepted in August 2008 and implemented from January 1, 2006.
> The total time from its formation to its implementation was 22-24 months.
Timeline of the Seventh Pay Commission
> This Pay Commission was constituted in February 2014 and the ToR was finalized by March 2014.
> The Commission submitted its report in November 2015.
> It was accepted in June 2016 and implemented from January 1, 2016.
> Thus, it took 33 months (approximately 2 years and 9 months) from its formation to its implementation. This clearly shows that it takes two to three years to implement a Pay Commission.
Status of the 8th Pay Commission
> The 8th Pay Commission was announced on January 16, 2025.
> The ToR or list of members has not yet been released.
> This means that the actual work has not yet begun.
The Commission’s recommendations will be implemented from January 1, 2026.
If the Commission is constituted in the next few months and the report takes two years to prepare, the report could be ready by 2027. The government will then need time to review, revise, and approve the report. Therefore, implementation is possible by 2028. However, the Commission’s recommendations will be implemented from January 1, 2026, and employees and pensioners will receive their pending dues.
Why is the Commission Necessary?
The Pay Commission does more than simply increase salaries. It also impacts allowances, pensions, and future financial security. In an era of rising inflation, employees want the Commission to begin work soon to reduce the cost burden. This is also important for pensioners, as their pensions and dearness allowance (DA) depend on it. Experts believe that if the process continues like the 7th Commission, the report and approval of the 8th Commission will take time. Given the current delay, it could take until 2028.
Nearly 125 million employees and pensioners are awaiting the ToR and the appointment of commission members. Historically, the 6th and 7th Pay Commissions took a long time to be implemented. Therefore, it is hoped that the 8th Pay Commission may be implemented by 2028.
