### Major Salary Hike for Central Government Employees: The 8th Pay Commission Approved The Indian Union Cabinet has officially approved the establishment of the 8th Central Pay Commission, which is set to significantly revise the salaries and pensions of over 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners. This decision comes after the previous 7th Pay Commission, which had set a fitment factor of 2.57 for salary calculations. The new commission, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is expected to deliver its recommendations within 18 months, with implementation likely starting from January 1, 2026. This move is anticipated to provide a substantial salary increase, estimated between 30-35%, benefiting a large segment of the workforce [https://www.india.com/business/8th-pay-commission-approved-latest-update-central-govt-employees-to-get-big-salary-hike-by-mid-2027-check-expected-timeline-arrears-release-details-8160686][https://newsd.in/8th-pay-commission-memebers-justice-ranjana-prakash-desai-to-lead-report-expected-in-18-months]. ### Structure of the 8th Pay Commission Overview 1. **Approval and Leadership** - The Union Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Pay Commission, which will be led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai [https://www.financialexpress.com/money/8th-pay-commission-union-cabinet-approves-terms-of-reference-what-it-means-for-central-govt-employees-4023999]. 2. **Expected Timeline** - The commission is expected to submit its report by April 2027, with salary revisions likely to take effect from January 1, 2026 [https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/economy/8th-pay-commission-implementation-from-jan-1-2026-heres-what-ashwini-vaishnaw-said-article-153067765]. 3. **Salary and Pension Increases** - A salary hike of approximately 30-35% is anticipated, with the minimum basic pay potentially rising from INR 18,000 to around INR 46,000 per month [https://www.latestly.com/india/information/8th-pay-commission-know-how-much-salary-and-pension-are-likely-to-increase-for-central-government-employees-and-pensioners-from-january-1-2026-7182203]. 4. **Beneficiaries** - The changes will impact over 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners, marking a significant financial relief for this demographic [https://www.firstpost.com/india/8th-pay-commission-expected-to-roll-out-in-2026-how-big-will-the-pay-jump-be-for-central-govt-employees-13945745.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Salary Increase Projections**: - **Current Basic Pay**: INR 18,000 - **Projected Minimum Basic Pay**: INR 46,000 - **Expected Salary Hike**: 30-35% increase - **Fitment Factor Range**: Between 1.83 and 2.46 [https://www.latestly.com/india/information/8th-pay-commission-know-how-much-salary-and-pension-are-likely-to-increase-for-central-government-employees-and-pensioners-from-january-1-2026-7182203]. - **Timeline for Implementation**: - **Report Submission**: By April 2027 - **Effective Date for Salary Changes**: January 1, 2026 [https://www.financialexpress.com/money/8th-pay-commission-union-cabinet-approves-terms-of-reference-what-it-means-for-central-govt-employees-4023999]. ### Conclusion: A Significant Step Forward for Central Government Employees In summary, the approval of the 8th Pay Commission marks a pivotal moment for central government employees and pensioners in India. The anticipated salary hikes and pension revisions are expected to provide substantial financial relief and improve the living standards of over 1.2 crore beneficiaries. 1. **Approval of the 8th Pay Commission**: The Union Cabinet has set the stage for a comprehensive review of salaries and pensions. 2. **Leadership and Timeline**: Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai will lead the commission, with a report due by April 2027. 3. **Projected Salary Increases**: Employees can expect a significant salary hike, with the minimum basic pay potentially rising to INR 46,000. 4. **Impact on Beneficiaries**: Over 1.2 crore employees and pensioners will benefit from these changes, enhancing their financial security [https://www.india.com/business/8th-pay-commission-approved-latest-update-central-govt-employees-to-get-big-salary-hike-by-mid-2027-check-expected-timeline-arrears-release-details-8160686][https://www.financialexpress.com/money/8th-pay-commission-union-cabinet-approves-terms-of-reference-what-it-means-for-central-govt-employees-4023999].