The National Council–Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has recommended a substantial raise in the minimum pay for central government employees to the 8th Pay Commission. They suggested a fitment factor of 3.833, which would elevate the minimum basic pay from Rs 18,000 to Rs 69,000, as reported by NDTV Profit. The fitment factor is a multiplier used to adjust salaries based on factors like cost of living and inflation.
This proposal by NC-JCM also includes a 6% annual increment, two increments upon promotion with a minimum benefit of Rs 10,000, among other benefits. If implemented, these changes would impact over 50 lakh central employees and around 65 lakh pensioners. The application of the fitment factor ensures uniform salary increases across different levels, with the new Pay Commission likely to surpass the 2.5 fitment factor expected by analysts.
The salary hike is contingent on the fitment factor chosen by the government, with some groups advocating for a factor of 3.15. However, the final decision may take more than a year. Pankaj Chaudhary, MoS Finance, informed Parliament in March that the 8th Pay Commission is tasked with making recommendations on pay, allowances, pensions, and other benefits for central government employees. The commission aims to complete its work within 18 months from November 2025.
