Shillong: The Meghalaya State Government Employees’ Federation pressured the MDA government for a fresh State Pay Commission on Tuesday. They want the new pay structure active by January 1, 2026. Inflation is hitting hard. The cost of living is climbing fast. The federation handed a formal memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to kickstart the process.
MSGEF secretary general Bansharai Kharchandy cited the federal government's 8th Central Pay Commission as the benchmark for their request. She noted the federation first pushed this issue in January to address shifting economic conditions. The group demands a total overhaul of current salary scales, pensions, and allowances. They specifically want higher House Rent Allowance and interim relief if the government drags its feet on forming the commission.
The union also wants a return to old-style pension schemes and immediate family pension payouts for workers who die on the job. They also want gratuity for those under the New Pension Scheme. Kharchandy noted, "The demand was necessary to ensure that state government employees were not left behind as the Centre had already constituted the 8th Central Pay Commission."
Historical data shows past delays hurt workers. The 4th Meghalaya Pay Commission started in September 2007. The 5th commission launched in July 2016, but didn't pay out until January 2017. Nearby states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and Sikkim already follow pay models close to the 7th Central Pay Commission. Meghalaya is falling behind.
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