At this time, the same question is in discussion between about 35 lakh central employees and more than 67 lakh pensioners across the country – when will the 8th Pay Commission come last? It has been 8 years since the 7th Pay Commission came into force and now everyone’s eyes are based on the next pay commission.
Although no official announcement has been made by the Central Government so far, the staff organizations and pensioners association have repeatedly appealed to the government that the commission should be constituted as soon as possible so that timely salary and pension amendment can be possible.
What does the previous process understand?
If we look at the process of the 7th Pay Commission, it was announced in February 2014 and was implemented from January 2016. According to this, if the government sets the 8th Pay Commission on time, it should be announced between 2024-25 so that it can be implemented from 1 January 2026.
But no information has been revealed about the formation of the commission so far. Employees’ organizations demand that the way the 7th Pay Commission was implemented in time, the government should still show the responsibility.
Fitment Factor: key to real increase in salary
The most important role in the recommendations of the Pay Commission plays fitment factor. This is the same calculation method from which the basic salary of an employee is fixed.
In the 6th Pay Commission, the fitment factor was kept at 1.86 and the minimum wage was increased from 2,750 to Rs 7,000.
It was reduced to 2.57 in the 7th Pay Commission, increasing the minimum wage to Rs 18,000.
It is now discussed that the 8th Pay Commission can determine the fitment factor between 2.5 and 2.86. If 2.86 is applied, the minimum basic salary can go up to Rs 51,000. This can be a sign of great relief and economic strength for the salaried people.
What will be the benefit of pensioners?
The impact of the 8th Pay Commission will be equally large not only on salaried employees, but also on pensioners. Around 67 lakh pensioners will be affected by this decision.
The pension calculation and structure were changed in the previous pay commissions. In such a situation, it is expected that this time also the pension formula will be amended, so that retired employees can get more relief.
The biggest demand of pensioners is that they should be given pension increase as per inflation and medical facilities and gratuity limits should also be reconsidered.
Government’s silence and employees concerned
Although media reports indicate that the idea about the formation of the commission is going on, but no strong statement has come at the government level so far.
Many employee unions believe that the government is deliberately delayed, so that it can be used as a political benefit in the election year. At the same time, employees and pensioners demand that instead of political gains it should be implemented on time and transparent manner.