8th Pay Commission: When Will the Government Announce Fitment Factor and Salary Revision?

New Delhi: The curiosity among central government employees and pensioners regarding the Eighth Pay Commission is continuously increasing. Lakhs of employees are waiting to know how much their salary and pension will increase. Meanwhile, discussions regarding the fitment factor and salary increase have intensified. Various employee organizations and pensioners' associations have presented their suggestions before the commission, but till now no official announcement of the final fitment factor or salary increase has been made by the government.

Why is fitment factor important?

Fitment factor is the coefficient on the basis of which the existing basic pay is revised. A fitment factor of 2.57 was implemented in the Seventh Pay Commission, due to which there was a big increase in the basic pay of the employees. This factor is being considered most important in the Eighth Pay Commission also because the new pay scales will be decided on its basis.

How many fitment factors are being discussed?

Different proposals have been made by different employee organizations. Some organizations have demanded a fitment factor ranging from 2.86 to 3.68, while the National Council (JCM) has suggested a fitment factor of 3.83 and a minimum basic pay of Rs 69 thousand. On the other hand, some experts believe that the actual figure may be less than this. At present all these proposals are under consideration.

Has the salary increase been decided?

No. Till now neither the fitment factor has been finalized nor the rate of increment has been decided. The Commission is currently collecting suggestions from various employee organizations, departments and pensioners' associations. A round of meetings is also going on at the regional level. The government will take a decision on salary increase only after the final recommendations are prepared.

What are the main demands of employee organizations?

The employee organizations have demanded not only salary increase but also amendments in pension, house rent allowance, annual salary increase and other allowances. Many organizations have proposed a major increase in the minimum wage in view of the impact of inflation. Some organizations have also demanded restoration of the old pension scheme and additional facilities for pensioners.

What benefits are pensioners expected to get?

The Eighth Pay Commission is not limited to employees only. Pensioners and those receiving family pensions are also likely to get its benefits. Various organizations have put forward the demand for new pension determination formulas, inflation-related pension review and increasing the minimum pension before the commission.

What will be the further process?

The commission is currently in the consultation and data gathering phase. Meetings are being held with employee organizations in various states and territories. Based on these suggestions and data, the Commission will prepare its recommendations, which will then be sent to the central government. New pay scales and fitment factors can be implemented only after the approval of the government.

What are the employees waiting for right now?

Lakhs of central government employees and pensioners are waiting to know what fitment factor the commission finally recommends. This figure will decide how much extra money will come into their pocket. However, all the figures coming out at present are based only on demands and possible estimates. The final picture will be clear only after the recommendations of the commission and the decision of the government.