8th Pay Commission: The anticipation surrounding the 8th Pay Commission for central government employees and pensioners is intensifying. There are speculations that salaries for central government employees may experience an increase ranging from 20% to 30%. However, questions regarding the specific salary levels and the applicable fitment factor remain prevalent. Over 5 million central employees and 6.5 million pensioners are expected to benefit from the salary adjustments under the 8th Pay Commission.
The entire process of establishing a new commission typically spans 18 months, making it uncertain whether the new commission will be implemented by January 1, 2026. Traditionally, a new pay commission is introduced every decade, suggesting that the 8th CPC should ideally commence in January 2026. The fitment factor is crucial in determining the basic salary of central employees. In the 7th Pay Commission, this factor was set at 2.57, resulting in an increase of the minimum salary from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000.
Currently, there are three projections for the fitment factor in the 8th Pay Commission: 1.92, 2.08, and 2.86. The chosen fitment factor will significantly influence the new salary structure. If the fitment factor be established at 2.86, the minimum salary could rise from RS 18,000 to Rs 51,480. Additionally, with each new pay commission, the Dearness Allowance (DA) is recalibrated from the outset. Presently, the DA under the 7th Pay Commission stands at 53%, with an anticipated increase of 3%. A further revision is expected in July. However, under the 8th Pay Commission, the DA will reset to zero and will subsequently be adjusted at regular intervals.
What can be the basic salary
Currently, the minimum monthly salary for an employee stands at Rs 18,000. With a fitment factor of 1.92, the minimum salary would increase to Rs 34,560. Should the fitment factor be 2.08, the minimum salary would rise to Rs 37,440, and with a fitment factor of 2.86, the minimum salary would amount to Rs 51,480.