New Delhi: The process related to the upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission has moved forward as the Drafting Committee of the National Council (Staff Side) – Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) held an important meeting in the national capital to prepare a unified memorandum of demands for central government employees and pensioners.
The meeting was chaired by NC-JCM Secretary Shiva Gopal Mishra and attended by representatives of several employee federations. The committee is expected to finalize key demands that will later be submitted to the Pay Commission for consideration.
The 8th Pay Commission is expected to review the salary structure, pension system and allowances of more than one crore central government employees and pensioners. The revised pay structure is widely expected to come into effect from January 1, 2026, although the final recommendations will depend on the report submitted by the commission to the government.
Employee federations have suggested several proposals during the drafting process. One of the most discussed proposals is related to the fitment factor. Some organizations have suggested that the new fitment factor should range between 3.0 and 3.25. If such a multiplier is approved, the minimum salary for central government employees could increase significantly compared to the current structure under the 7th Pay Commission.
Under the 7th Pay Commission, the minimum basic pay was fixed at ₹18,000 with a fitment factor of 2.57. According to employee groups, increasing the factor above 3 could help improve salary growth and support employees in managing rising living costs.
Another major demand relates to annual increments. Some employee unions have proposed increasing the annual increment rate beyond the current 3 percent to provide better long-term financial progression during employees’ careers.
Discussions have also included improvements in medical allowances, travel benefits and retirement benefits such as increasing leave encashment limits. Some employee organizations have also demanded restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, although no official decision has been taken on this issue so far.
- Drafting committee met to prepare demands for the 8th Pay Commission
- More than 1 crore employees and pensioners expected to benefit
- Fitment factor proposals range between 3.0 and 3.25
- Salary revision likely from January 1, 2026
- Discussions include allowances, pension reforms and retirement benefits
- Fitment factor between 3.0 and 3.25
- Increase in annual increment rate
- Improved medical and travel allowances
- Increase leave encashment limit at retirement
- Discussion on pension reforms
| Level | 7th CPC Entry Pay | Proposed Fitment | Estimated Pay (8th CPC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹18,000 | 3.00 | ₹54,000 |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 | 3.05 | ₹1,08,000 |
| Level 10 | ₹56,100 | 3.10 | ₹1,74,000 |
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The 8th Pay Commission will determine salary structures, pensions and allowances for millions of government employees. The recommendations may significantly impact employee income and government expenditure.
1. What was the purpose of the drafting committee meeting?
Answer: To prepare a unified memorandum of demands for the 8th Pay Commission.
2. How many employees and pensioners may benefit from the 8th CPC?
Answer: More than 1 crore central government employees and pensioners.
3. What fitment factor range has been proposed by employee federations?
Answer: Between 3.0 and 3.25.
4. When is the revised pay structure expected to be implemented?
Answer: From January 1, 2026.
5. What other issues are being discussed besides salary revision?
Answer: Allowances, retirement benefits and pension reforms.
Do you think the 8th Pay Commission should significantly increase salaries for government employees?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Not Sure
