A long-awaited update for state government employees arrived during today’s Cabinet meeting. On May 18, 2026, the new government held its second Cabinet meeting, where the formation of the 7th Pay Commission was officially approved. Minister Agnimitra Paul confirmed the development at a press briefing, noting that the government has formally decided to move forward with the commission.
The next step involves finalizing the terms of reference for this commission. Since the ROPA 2019 or the 6th Pay Commission is nearing its end, this announcement is quite significant from an administrative standpoint. However, it is worth noting that commissions typically take considerable time to conclude their work and implement a new pay scale. While this doesn’t mean more money in the pocket right away, it does clear a path for long-term salary improvements.
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Will the disappointment over DA be addressed?
While the commission news is positive, there was no breakthrough regarding Dearness Allowance (DA). Officials clarified that DA was not even on the agenda for today’s Cabinet meeting. A section of government employees had pinned their hopes on an announcement regarding pending DA installments. Although the Chief Minister had hinted at discussions on this topic previously, the silence during today’s meeting left many workers disappointed.
Annapurna Bhandar and free bus travel
The Cabinet also unveiled major relief for the general public, specifically targeting women. Starting June 1, the ‘Annapurna Bhandar’ scheme will go live. Beneficiaries who previously received ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ funds will now get 3,000 rupees per month. Furthermore, the proposal to provide free travel for women on state buses has received final approval, which should provide significant relief for household budgets.
Ending religious assistance projects
In a major policy shift, the state government has decided to discontinue all existing religious assistance schemes. The Cabinet emphasized that funding will no longer be diverted to these projects, as the focus is now squarely on general welfare and infrastructure development.
Impact on government employees
Approving the 7th Pay Commission sets the stage for a major overhaul of the salary structure for state employees in the coming years. Historically, these commissions take anywhere from 18 to 24 months to submit a report. If the government pushes for a swift timeline, we might see a revised pay scale by mid-2027. Nevertheless, the lack of any immediate DA announcement means that middle-class employees will have to continue navigating the current inflationary environment with their existing financial constraints.
