Amidst rising inflation, government employees are eagerly awaiting salary hikes. While central government employees await the approval of the 8th pay commission, the Congress-led Karnataka government has approved a salary increase by implementing the recommendations of the 7th pay commission.
📈 Significant Pay Raise Announced
On Monday, in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, it was announced that government employees will receive a 27.5% salary increase starting from August 1.
🔍 Background and Details
An official mentioned that the 7th State Pay Commission, established on November 19, 2022, was tasked with reviewing salary, allowances, and pensions of state government employees. The commission submitted its report on March 24, 2024.
According to an official from the Chief Minister’s office, “Following the pay commission’s recommendations, the cabinet decided on July 15, 2024, to revise salaries and pensions by adding a 31% dearness allowance and 27.5% fitment to the basic pay as of July 1, 2022.
This revision results in a substantial 58.5% increase in basic pay and pensions. Additionally, the house rent allowance will increase by 32%.”
📊 Revised Salaries and Pensions
- Minimum Basic Salary: From ₹17,000 to ₹27,000
- Maximum Salary: From ₹1,50,600 to ₹2,41,200
- Minimum Pension: From ₹8,500 to ₹13,500
- Maximum Pension: From ₹75,300 to ₹1,20,600
This revision also applies to non-teaching staff at universities, employees of aided educational institutions, and local bodies.
💰 Budget and Impact
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “This salary revision will result in an additional annual expenditure of ₹20,208 crore. Necessary budgetary provisions have been made for 2024-25. The salary hike aims to boost morale and productivity.”
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar shared on X, “Good news for government employees: In today’s cabinet meeting, we decided to implement the long-awaited 7th pay commission recommendations, effective from August 1.”
📢 Context of the Approval
The approval came after the Karnataka State Government Employees Association threatened an indefinite strike in August if the salary hike was not implemented. In March 2023, the then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai had permitted an interim 17% salary hike for the employees.
🏷️ Important Information
| Details | Revised Figures |
|---|---|
| Minimum Basic Salary | ₹27,000 |
| Maximum Salary | ₹2,41,200 |
| Minimum Pension | ₹13,500 |
| Maximum Pension | ₹1,20,600 |
| Dearness Allowance | 31% |
| Fitment | 27.5% |
| House Rent Allowance | 32% |
| Total Annual Expenditure | ₹20,208 crore |
