
Exciting news emerged from Karnataka today as the state cabinet approved the long-awaited recommendations of the seventh Pay Commission. Starting August 1st, over seven lakh government employees across Karnataka are set to receive a significant salary hike. The decision, eagerly awaited by many, is expected to be formally announced by the Chief Minister during the Legislative Assembly session tomorrow.
Led by former chief secretary K Sudhakar Rao, the 7th Pay Commission has proposed a substantial 27.5 percent increase in the basic salaries of state government employees. This move, while welcomed by the workforce, comes with a hefty price tag of approximately Rs 17,440.15 crore annually for the state treasury.
The decision to implement these pay revisions follows months of anticipation and pressure from various quarters, including the Karnataka State Government Employees Association, which had threatened an indefinite strike starting August if their demands were not met.
Interestingly, this development builds upon an interim measure implemented by former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in March 2023, where a 17 percent interim hike was introduced. Now, the current administration is poised to add an additional 10.5 percentage points, aligning with the 7th Pay Commission’s recommendations for a comprehensive 27.5 percent hike in basic salaries.
This move is not just a financial adjustment but also a recognition of the hard work and dedication of Karnataka’s government employees. Stay tuned for further updates as we await the official announcement and reactions from the workforce across the state.