In a landmark move for state-level governance, Assam has become the first state in India to officially constitute its 8th State Pay Commission. This announcement, made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 1, 2026, sets a national precedent as most states typically wait for the Central Government’s recommendations before initiating their own revisions.
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Also Read | 8th Pay Commission Update: 2026 Salary Hike & DA Forecast
1. Key Leadership & Timeline
The state government has moved swiftly to establish the panel and begin the 18-month evaluation process.
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Chairman: Subhas Chandra Das (Former Additional Chief Secretary).
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Beneficiaries: Approximately 7 lakh state government employees and pensioners.
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Deadline for Report: The commission is expected to submit its final recommendations by June 2027.
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Effective Date: While implementation may take time, the new pay scales are expected to be effective retrospectively from January 1, 2026.
Also Read | 8th Pay Commission Update: 2026 Salary Hike & DA Forecast
2. State vs. Central Pay Commission Comparison
While Assam has taken the lead among states, the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) is also currently in its deliberation phase.
| Feature | 8th Central Pay Commission | Assam 8th State Pay Commission |
| Chairperson | Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Desai | Subhas Chandra Das |
| Appointed | November 3, 2025 | January 1, 2026 |
| Implementation | Retroactive from Jan 1, 2026 | Retroactive from Jan 1, 2026 |
| Target Audience | 1.1 Crore Employees/Pensioners | 7 Lakh Employees/Pensioners |
| Primary Goal | Standardize Central Pay Matrix | Ensure parity with Central Pay levels |
Also Read | 8th Pay Commission Update: 2026 Salary Hike & DA Forecast
3. Expected Salary & Pension Hikes
Though the official report is pending, financial experts project significant increases based on the proposed fitment factor (a multiplier used to calculate new basic pay).
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Expected Fitment Factor: Projected between 2.28 and 2.86.
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Minimum Basic Salary: Could rise from ₹18,000 to approximately ₹41,000–₹51,000.
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Minimum Pension: Projected to increase from ₹9,000 to over ₹20,500.
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Arrears: Since the 7th Pay Commission expired on December 31, 2025, employees will be eligible for arrears covering the gap between January 1, 2026, and the actual date of rollout.
Also Read | 8th Pay Commission Update: 2026 Salary Hike & DA Forecast
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