8th Pay Commission: There is an important update for central government employees as the 8th Pay Commission is set to begin its next round of discussions with employee associations and other stakeholders in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on October 7.
The Commission is also gathering information from different government departments and ministries as part of the process of preparing its report. The report is expected to include recommendations concerning salaries and retirement benefits of central government employees.
Once the recommendations are approved by the government, employees could receive revised salaries along with arrears for the applicable period. The final increase will depend on the fitment factor approved by the government.
Employee Organisations Seek Higher Fitment Factor
Employee and pensioner organisations have put forward different demands regarding the fitment factor under the 8th Pay Commission.
The National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), a key platform representing central government employees, has proposed a fitment factor of 3.833. If this proposal is accepted, the minimum basic salary of ₹18,000 under the 7th Pay Commission could increase to around ₹69,000.
Several organisations, including AIDEF, FNPO and AINPSEF, have also supported a fitment factor of around 3.83. Meanwhile, IRTSA has proposed a higher fitment factor of 5.0 for different levels.
What Could Be the 8th Pay Commission Fitment Factor?
The final fitment factor has not yet been announced. According to AINSPEF National President Manjeet Singh Patel, factors such as the existing dearness allowance and salary structure could result in a fitment factor of around 2.1.
However, the actual figure will only become clear once the government officially notifies the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission.
Under the 7th Pay Commission, the minimum basic salaries for the relevant levels are:
- Level 6: ₹35,400
- Level 7: ₹44,900
- Level 8: ₹47,600
Based on these existing basic salaries, the possible revised figures under different fitment factors can be calculated.
Possible Basic Salary at Different Fitment Factors
For Level 6, with the current basic salary of ₹35,400, the possible revised basic salary would be:
- 2.0 fitment factor: ₹70,800
- 2.15 fitment factor: ₹76,110
- 2.28 fitment factor: ₹80,712
- 2.57 fitment factor: ₹90,978
For Level 7, where the current minimum basic salary is ₹44,900:
- 2.0 fitment factor: ₹89,800
- 2.15 fitment factor: ₹96,535
- 2.28 fitment factor: ₹1,02,372
- 2.57 fitment factor: ₹1,15,393
For Level 8, with a current minimum basic salary of ₹47,600:
- 2.0 fitment factor: ₹95,200
- 2.15 fitment factor: ₹1,02,340
- 2.28 fitment factor: ₹1,08,528
- 2.57 fitment factor: ₹1,22,332
These figures are only scenario-based calculations using the existing basic salaries and the respective fitment factors. The actual revised salaries will depend on the fitment factor and recommendations ultimately approved by the government.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the details and calculations provided in the source material. The fitment factors and revised salary figures discussed above are not confirmed final figures. The actual salary revision, arrears and retirement benefits will depend on the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission and the government’s final decision. Readers should rely on official government notifications for confirmed information.