Central government employees are eagerly awaiting the official announcement regarding the 8th Pay Commission. Reports suggest that these employees could see a substantial 186 per cent increase in their minimum salary if the proposed changes are approved.
Currently, under the 7th Pay Commission, the minimum basic salary for central government employees stands at Rs 18,000 per month, up from Rs 7,000 under the 6th Pay Commission.
Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary (staff side) of the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM), has expressed his expectation for a fitment factor increase to 2.86. This would be a 29 basis point (bps) rise from the 2.57 fitment factor under the 7th Pay Commission.
If the government agrees to the 2.86 fitment factor, the minimum salary could rise sharply by 186 per cent to Rs 51,480, as compared to the current Rs 18,000, according to a report from the Financial Express.
An increase in the fitment factor not only boosts salaries but also enhances pension benefits. If the proposed factor is approved, pensions are projected to increase by 186 per cent, bringing the monthly pension to Rs 25,740 from the current Rs 9,000.
Although there is no official confirmation about the timeline for establishing the 8th Pay Commission, some reports speculate that an announcement might come in the Budget 2025-26. Employee unions had pushed for the formation in the previous Budget 2024-25, raising their demands with the Cabinet Secretary and the Finance Ministry.
Further clarity is expected in December, following the rescheduled meeting of the National Council of the Joint Consultative Machinery. The meeting, initially planned for this month, has been postponed to December.
