8th Pay Commission: The 7th Pay Commission, implemented in 2016, is nearing its 10th year of existence. The pay commission’s tenure of 10 years will end in January 2026. Currently, the focus of discussion is on the upcoming pay commission. Government workers are eagerly anticipating any updates regarding the 8th Pay Commission.
Fitment factor plays a crucial role in determining the salary and pension
The 7th Pay Commission was established in February 2014 under the administration of Manmohan Singh. After the Pay Commission’s recommendations were put into effect, pay and pension adjustments were made. Nevertheless, the expiration date is set for January 2026, and attention has now shifted to the upcoming panel. Previously, a fresh wage committee was formed every decade to reassess and modify the base pay of civil servants. The fitment factor plays a crucial role in determining the salary and pension increase for each pay commission. The Seventh Pay Commission set the fitment factor at 2.57 and raised the minimum salary from Rs 7000 to Rs 18,000.
Nevertheless, the employee unions requested a fitment factor of 3.67, but it was denied. The unions were anticipated to set a fitment factor of 2.86 for the Eighth Pay Commission. Shiv Gopal Mishra, who serves as the secretary (staff) of the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM), has recently stressed this request.
The NC-JCM, the primary organization addressing employee issues, is calling for the establishment of the Eighth Pay Commission. In a July 2024 memo from the organization, it asked for prompt action in establishing the commission. An additional request was put forth in the year 2024. The Finance Secretary was approached by the employees’ unions regarding the issue earlier this month. He stated that it was important to promptly implement the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission to guarantee a seamless adjustment of salaries and pensions.
The expected announcement about the establishment of the Eighth Pay Commission was anticipated to be made during the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25 in July 2024. According to media reports, the central government is expected to announce the Eighth Pay Commission during the budget session. Nevertheless, the budget did not include any announcements. Pressure is mounting to establish a new pay commission as the Seventh Pay Commission’s term will conclude in 2026. A debate is ongoing regarding the fitment factor and how it influences both salaries and pensions.