Over 1.1 crore government workers await 8th Pay Commission implementation, delayed until May 2027 despite budget hopes.

Over 1.1 crore central government employees and pensioners are awaiting the Union Budget 2026-27 for signs of faster implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, though full rollout in 2026-27 is unlikely due to the panel’s 18-month deadline extending to May 2027. A budgetary provision for the estimated fiscal impact—projected at Rs 2.4 to 3.2 lakh crore—could prompt acceleration. Current dearness allowance and relief at 58% may lead to sharper effective pay increases even with a modest fitment factor.