The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday approved minimum pay scale benefits for 1,231 muster roll, casual, and fixed-pay workers, alongside a revised fixed pay of Rs 16,400 for 99 Grade-IV employees within the General Administration Department. The decision, announced by the state government, aims to enhance the financial stability and welfare of a significant segment of its workforce.
This move addresses long-standing demands for improved remuneration and working conditions for these categories of government employees, who often face disparities compared to regular staff. The cabinet’s approval is expected to provide greater financial security and recognition for their contributions to public service across the state.
What was announced
The Assam Cabinet, in a meeting held on September 8, 2026, formally approved the granting of minimum pay scale benefits to 1,231 muster roll, casual, and fixed-pay workers. Concurrently, the fixed pay for 99 Grade-IV employees under the General Administration Department has been enhanced to Rs 16,400, aligning it with the helper allowance. This decision was part of a series of measures focused on employee welfare and streamlining administrative processes, according to official statements.
Why it matters
The cabinet’s decision holds significant implications for the affected employees, offering them improved financial prospects and a degree of parity with other government staff. For the 1,231 muster roll, casual, and fixed-pay workers, receiving minimum pay scale benefits marks a crucial step towards better living wages and social security. Historically, these categories of workers have often been on lower pay scales with fewer benefits compared to permanent employees, despite performing essential services. The revision for Grade-IV employees, increasing their fixed pay to Rs 16,400, directly boosts their monthly income, addressing inflationary pressures and enhancing their purchasing power. This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to the welfare of its lower-grade employees and aims to foster a more equitable work environment.
Background
The Assam government has a history of implementing measures to improve the conditions of its contractual and lower-grade employees. In October 2018, the state government under then Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced an increase in the salary of 12,860 muster roll and casual employees, upgrading their pay to the regular pay scale of Grade-IV employees. This decision significantly raised their monthly earnings from an average of Rs 3,000-Rs 6,000 to approximately Rs 18,000 per month, including basic pay, grade pay, and dearness allowance.
Further steps were taken in January 2023, when Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a three percent annual increment for muster roll, casual workers, and work-charged employees, benefiting over 13,000 individuals. This built upon an executive order issued in November 2025, which mandated a fixed wage of Rs 15,900 per month along with admissible Dearness Allowance for muster roll, casual, and fixed-pay workers engaged before the AFRBM period, in compliance with a Gauhati High Court order.
The state has also been proactive in reviewing overall pay structures. In February 2026, the Assam Cabinet approved the formation of the 8th Assam Pay Commission, 2026, tasked with examining and recommending revisions in pay, allowances, and service conditions for all state government employees, considering the state’s financial position. This continuous effort reflects a broader policy of enhancing employee benefits, which also includes initiatives like the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under the National Pension System, approved in October 2025. Additionally, the government has introduced schemes like ‘Apun Ghar’ for housing benefits and ‘Mukhya Mantri Lok Sewak Arogya Yojana’ for medical expense reimbursement, demonstrating a holistic approach to employee welfare.
Key details
The recent cabinet approval specifically impacts two distinct groups of employees. The first group comprises 1,231 muster roll, casual, and fixed-pay workers who will now receive minimum pay scale benefits. While the exact minimum pay scale was not detailed in the announcement, previous orders for similar categories have set a fixed wage of Rs 15,900 per month along with allowances.
The second group includes 99 Grade-IV employees working in the General Administration Department. Their fixed pay has been revised upwards to Rs 16,400. This revised pay is equivalent to the helper allowance, ensuring a standardized and improved remuneration for these essential support staff. The General Administration Department plays a crucial role in the functioning of the state secretariat and various government offices.
What’s next
Following the cabinet’s approval, the General Administration Department and other relevant departments are expected to issue detailed notifications and guidelines for the implementation of these revised benefits. The process will involve updating payroll systems and ensuring that the enhanced pay and benefits are disbursed to the eligible employees. This development is part of the state government’s ongoing commitment to employee welfare, with further reforms anticipated as the 8th Assam Pay Commission continues its work to review and recommend comprehensive changes to the pay structure and service conditions of state government employees.