Assam Becomes First State to Set Up 8th Pay Commission, When Will Salary Revision Take Effect?

As per news report, On January 1, 2026, Assam became the first Indian state to establish the 8th Pay Commission. This move aims to revise salaries and pensions for nearly 7,00,000 government employees and pensioners in the state.  

The decision was officially announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

Assam Takes Lead with Early Formation of 8th Pay Panel 

While the central government formed its 8th Pay Commission in January 2025, Assam moved swiftly by establishing its own panel within the first week of January 2026. The state government appointed former Additional Chief Secretary Subhas Das as chairman.  

The panel has been tasked with submitting recommendations on salary and pension structure, allowances and service conditions within an 18-month timeline. 

Approximately 7,00,000 serving and retired government employees in Assam are expected to benefit from this revision. If recommendations are finalised as scheduled, implementation could occur by late 2027 or early 2028.  

However, retrospective effect from January 1, 2026, has been indicated for payment of arrears. 

State vs Centre: Which Will Enforce Revised Pay First? 

The Centre took nearly 10 months to appoint members and finalise the Terms of Reference after announcing its 8th Pay Commission in January 2025. In contrast, Assam completed most of its initial process in a few days, including naming the commission's head. 

Despite this, the Centre is still expected to implement its new pay structure before Assam due to resource bandwidth and prior execution patterns. 

The 7th Pay Commission was effective in Assam from April 1, 2017, but used January 1, 2016, as the reference date, aligning it with Central implementation practices. This trend of alignment with central pay timelines is expected to continue. 

Read More: Indian Railways to Launch First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on Kolkata–Guwahati Route! 

Significance of Assam’s Early Move 

Assam's initiative is notable as some Indian states are yet to fully adopt the 7th Pay Commission. By taking early action, Assam aims to ensure structured and timely revision of state employee benefits.  

The move also underlines administrative readiness and financial planning at the state level. 

Conclusion 

Assam’s early formation of the 8th Pay Commission places it at the forefront among Indian states in terms of pay and pension restructuring. With the panel's 18-month deadline in place, changes for employees and pensioners are expected in phases from 2027 onwards. 

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