With approximately 11.2 million beneficiaries, experts say the revised pay structure could provide meaningful uplift compared with the relatively modest gains seen under the 7th Pay Commission, which delivered an effective salary increase of about 14% excluding allowances. Under the 7th Pay Commission, the minimum basic salary was raised to Rs 18,000 from Rs 15,750, resulting in a roughly 14.3% rise in basic pay in the first year after allowances were added. A significant increase in disposable income could stimulate consumer spending and demand, potentially supporting growth in the face of slowing consumption. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, which traditionally adopt central pay commission recommendations promptly, are expected to follow suit, extending the impact across a wider section of public servants. Although the 8th Pay Commission’s recommendations are still awaited and the final details have yet to be formalised, expectations of a bigger pay hike have generated significant anticipation among government employees and pensioners alike.