Assam is set to become the first state in India to constitute an 8th Pay Commission for its state government employees and pensioners. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement, calling it a significant step towards employee welfare and progressive governance. The move comes as the 7th Pay Commission is set to expire, signaling a potential shift in compensation for state government employees and pensioners.

The central government is also expected to implement the 8th Central Pay Commission. Projections suggest that the minimum basic pay could rise from ₹18,000 to as much as ₹51,480, with a boost to minimum pensions as well. The Sadou Asam Karmachari Parishad (SAKP) has welcomed the Chief Minister's announcement, with President Dwipen Sharma expressing gratitude for aligning the state's decision with the central government's terms.

Union Minister of State and Assam BJP leader Pabitra Margherita assured that all issues highlighted in the report of the Eighth Pay Commission would be resolved through sustained discussions between the government and employee organizations. Margherita emphasized the state government's commitment to addressing the concerns of its employees in a consultative manner. He noted that many demands raised by employee bodies have already been fulfilled.

The SAKP has appealed to the State Government to constitute an efficient and rational pay commission that would address the pay-related problems of government employees and the wages of casual, fixed-pay, muster roll employees serving under the State Government departments. The committee has also demanded that the salaries of the causal, fixed-pay and muster roll employees of the State Government should be fixed at par with the salary of the fourth grade employees of the Government and has sought steps to finalize the free-of-cost medical treatment scheme for the State Government employees.

While the specific details of the 8th State Pay Commission are yet to be revealed, the announcement has generated optimism among state government employees and pensioners. The commission is expected to submit its report within 18 months and come into effect from January 2026. The recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission would be implemented in Assam from the same date and in the same manner as those of the Central Government employees.