The Government of Assam has relaunched the Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana Scheme in September 2026, offering monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 for one year to fresh graduates from government and provincialised colleges in the state. Concurrently, the 8th Assam Pay Commission, constituted on February 24, 2026, has invited memorandums and representations from state government employees, pensioners, and other stakeholders for a comprehensive review of salary and pension structures, with a submission deadline of October 31, 2026.
These twin initiatives underscore the Assam government’s commitment to youth empowerment and employee welfare, addressing both the challenges faced by new graduates entering the job market and the long-standing demands for pay and pension revisions for its workforce. The relaunch of the financial aid scheme aims to provide crucial support during the transition from education to employment, while the Pay Commission’s work is expected to impact approximately seven lakh serving and retired government personnel across the state.
What was announced
The Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana Scheme, an initiative of the Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department, has resumed operations in September 2026, providing financial aid to eligible graduates. Under the scheme, fresh graduates who passed out in 2025 from government and provincialised colleges in Assam will receive ₹2,500 per month for a period of one year.
Separately, the 8th Assam Pay Commission, 2026, was officially constituted on February 24, 2026, by the Finance (Pay Research Unit) Department. The Commission, chaired by former Additional Chief Secretary Subhash Chandra Das, has issued a public invitation for memorandums and representations. These submissions are sought from state government employees, pensioners, and other interested parties to inform its review of existing pay scales, allowances, and pension benefits. The deadline for submitting these representations is October 31, 2026.
Why it matters
The relaunch of the Jibon Prerana Scheme is a significant step towards alleviating financial pressures on young graduates as they navigate the competitive job market. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has highlighted the government’s intent to support youth in their job search, preparation for competitive examinations, and pursuit of self-employment opportunities. The financial assistance is disbursed directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency and efficiency. In September 2026, approximately 47,505 Aadhaar-linked beneficiaries received assistance under the scheme, with plans to regularise payments for others facing Aadhaar-related issues.
For state government employees and pensioners, the constitution of the 8th Assam Pay Commission marks a crucial development. Assam has become the first state in the country to initiate the formation of its 8th State Pay Commission, demonstrating a proactive approach to employee welfare. The Commission’s mandate extends beyond mere pay hikes, aiming for a holistic review that considers fiscal sustainability, performance-linked incentives, and the adoption of digital technologies in human resource management. This comprehensive approach is expected to lead to a more equitable and efficient pay structure, impacting nearly seven lakh individuals.
Background
The Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana Scheme has seen previous iterations and announcements. It was initially launched around November 2025 or February 2026 as part of the state’s budget for 2025-26, aimed at empowering young graduates and research scholars. However, the scheme was subsequently put on hold before being officially resumed in September 2026. The scheme reflects a broader governmental focus on youth empowerment and skill development, alongside other initiatives like the CM-FLIGHT (Chief Minister’s Foreign Language Initiative for Global Human Talent) program, which aims to create a skilled workforce for global employment.
Regarding the 8th Assam Pay Commission, the state government had last revised the pay structure for its employees with effect from April 1, 2016, based on the recommendations of the 7th Assam Pay and Productivity Pay Commission. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had announced the state’s decision to constitute the 8th Pay Commission on January 1, 2026, positioning Assam as a pioneer among Indian states in this regard, even as the Central Government’s 8th Pay Commission was also in motion. This move was described as a significant step towards employee welfare and progressive governance.
Key details
Under the Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana Scheme, financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month will be provided for one year. The scheme targets fresh graduates who passed their examinations in 2025 from government and provincialised colleges in Assam. Eligibility criteria specify that beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Assam and should not be currently employed or enrolled in professional/vocational courses. Additionally, there are exclusions based on parental employment in public offices, contractor registration, family income exceeding ₹10 lakh per year, and parents being government employees or pensioners (excluding Grade IV employees). Only one applicant per family is eligible.
The 8th Assam Pay Commission, constituted on February 24, 2026, is tasked with a comprehensive review of the emoluments and service conditions for state government employees and pensioners. The Commission’s terms of reference include recommending equitable and fiscally sustainable pay revisions, considering the state’s economic conditions, resource position, and the recommendations of the 8th Central Pay Commission when available. It will also focus on integrating performance-linked incentives, digitisation of HR management systems, and manpower rationalisation. The Commission has set October 31, 2026, as the deadline for receiving memorandums and representations from stakeholders.
Reactions
“Assam Government is investing in its youth. Through the Mukhyamantrir Jibon Prerana Scheme, we are standing beside our graduates as they prepare for competitive examinations and explore new opportunities,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting young graduates during their crucial transition phase.
Regarding the Pay Commission, Chief Minister Sarma had earlier stated, “Assam will become the first state in the country to constitute the 8th State Pay Commission, marking a significant step towards employee welfare and progressive governance.” He further assured government employees that the commission would review salaries and benefits, indicating a favourable opportunity for those joining government service.
What’s next
For the Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana Scheme, eligible 2025 pass-out graduates are expected to continue receiving their monthly financial assistance. The government aims to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries, including those with pending Aadhaar-related issues, receive their payments promptly.
The 8th Assam Pay Commission will proceed with its consultations and review process after the October 31, 2026, deadline for memorandums. The Commission is expected to submit its final comprehensive report preferably within 12 to 18 months from its constitution. While the recommendations for revised pay scales are anticipated to take retrospective effect from January 1, 2026, the actual implementation and disbursement of revised salaries and arrears are likely to occur by late 2027 or early 2028, following cabinet approval.