8th Pay Panel: ₹69,000 Minimum Pay Demand
Memorandum submissions extended; fitment factor, pension reforms among key demands
- 8th Pay Commission consultations widened for stakeholder input
- Minimum basic pay demand set at ₹69,000 with 3.83 fitment factor
- Proposal includes 6% annual increment, pension reforms
- Deadline extended to boost participation from employee bodies
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th May: Consultations for the 8th Pay Commission have gained momentum, with officials emphasising the importance of stakeholder inputs in shaping recommendations on pay, pensions and service conditions.
Authorities said the consultation process aims to capture regional concerns and ensure the final report reflects diverse perspectives from across the country. Stakeholders have been asked to submit memorandums through the official portal before seeking meetings, with the deadline extended to encourage wider participation from employee associations.
A memorandum typically includes demands related to salary structures, allowances, pensions and working conditions, forming the basis for the Commission’s evaluation.
The staff side of the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery) has submitted its final recommendations, proposing sweeping changes. These include fixing the minimum basic pay at ₹69,000, adopting a fitment factor of 3.83, and introducing 6% annual increments.
Among other key demands are restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, raising the minimum House Rent Allowance to 30%, and restructuring the current pay matrix by reducing 18 levels to seven.
The recommendations also call for expanding the definition of family units, ensuring at least five career progressions over a 30-year service period, and introducing a mechanism for pension revision every five years.
The National Council (JCM), which represents central government employees and pensioners, has positioned the memorandum as a comprehensive blueprint for reforms.
Officials indicated that the consultation phase remains crucial before the Commission finalises its report, which is expected to have wide-ranging implications for millions of government employees and retirees.
