8th Pay Commission: DR & Salary Hike Update for Employees, Pensioners

• Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners will continue to increase even after the 7th Pay Commission's term ends on December 31, 2025, until the 8th Pay Commission is implemented.
• DR is typically announced twice a year (January and July) by the central government, with arrears paid if announcements are delayed.
• The current Dearness Relief (DR) rate for pensioners is 58%.
• The 8th Pay Commission's recommendations are expected to take about two years for implementation after Terms of Reference approval in November 2025.
• If the 8th Pay Commission uses a 2.0 fitment factor, minimum basic pension could rise from Rs. 9,000 to Rs. 18,000, and maximum from Rs. 1,25,000 to Rs. 2,50,000.

Why It Matters: Pensioners are assured continued Dearness Relief and future pension hikes.