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8th Pay Commission: ‘I still believe that the fitment factor…has to be at least 2.57, or higher than that,’ says Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary (staff side) of the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery.
8th Pay Commission.
8th Pay Commission: Ever since the 8th Pay Commission was announced mid last month, there have been discussions on the likely salary hikes for central government employees. According to a report, National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery seeks a fitment factor of at least 2.57 (same as the 7th Pay Commission) or higher.
“I still believe that the fitment factor…has to be at least 2.57, or higher than that,” Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary (staff side) of the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery, according to the NDTV Profit report. Join Consultative Machinery is a platform to resolve disputes between the central government and its employees through dialogue.
Fitment Factor Of 2.57: What Does It Mean For Central Govt Employees’ Salary?
A fitment factor of 2.57 will led to a 157 per cent salary hike for central government employees. It means that the current minimum salary of Rs 18,000 per month will increase to Rs 46,260.
It will also lead to a commensurate hike in minimum pension from Rs 9,000 per month to Rs 23,130.
The 7th Pay Commission had recommended the fitment factor of 2.57. It had led to a hike of 157 per cent in minimum salary from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000 for central government employees.
Earlier, there was a demand for a fitment factor of 2.86 under the 8th Pay Commission. However, former finance secretary Subhash Garg in an interview with a news channel said that the demand for a fitment factor of 2.86 is like “asking for the moon”. He said fitment factor could be around 1.92.
If the fitment factor of 1.92 is approved, it will increase central government employees’ minimum salary from Rs 18,000 to Rs 34,560, a hike of 92 per cent.
Why Is JCM-NC Seeking Fitment Factor Of 2.57 Or Higher?
Mishra, speaking to NDTV Profit, explained why the 8th Pay Commission should propose a fitment factor of at least 2.57 or higher. The 7th Pay Commission set the fitment factor at 2.57 based on the 15th Indian Labour Conference (ILC) resolution of 1957 and Dr. Aykroyd’s formula for minimum living wage. However, Mishra argued that these yardsticks are outdated and do not reflect present-day worker needs.
The 7th Pay Commission found the 15th ILC norms to be the best way to estimate minimum pay, considering need-based wages to ensure a dignified living. Dr. Aykroyd’s formula, developed in the 20th century, accounts for essential commodity prices but overlooks modern expenses like internet costs. The 7th Pay Commission used this to raise the minimum salary from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000 in 2016.
Mishra stressed that the 8th Pay Commission should revise the consumption need from “three units” to “five units” to include dependent parents, in line with the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2022. Given inflation and modern expenses, he emphasized the necessity of a higher fitment factor to maintain a decent standard of living.
8th Pay Commission: When Will It Be Implemented?
As the current 7th Pay Commission’s tenure is set to be over by December 31 this year, the new 8th Pay Commission is expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026. However, speculations are rife that it might be delayed and will likely take more time than the expected January 1, 2026.
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the 8th Pay Commission on January 16, 2025, for the revision of salaries and pensions of central government employees. The terms of reference (ToF) and members, as well as chairman, have not been announced yet.
The implementation date of the 7th Pay Commission occurred in 2016 thus indicating the 8th Pay Commission recommendations will execute likely in 2026.
