The state government of Karnataka declared a steep 27.5 per cent hike in state government employees' salaries, effective from August 1st. The move may benefit more than seven lakh state government employees long awaiting the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. Though this move might cost an additional expenditure of about Rs.17,440 crore every year on the state exchequer, it is aimed towards the betterment of the lives of the employees and bringing its pay structure nearer to that of central government employees.