8th Pay Commission: Big report on minimum salary of central employees of Rs 69,000 and old pension

News India Live, Digital Desk: A big news is coming for lakhs of central government employees and pensioners. If the new demands prepared for the 8th Pay Commission are approved by the government, then there may be a historic jump in the salaries and allowances of the employees. The Draft Committee of the National Council (NC-JCM) has submitted its final recommendations, presenting the complete outline of changes to be implemented from January 1, 2026. In view of the rising inflation, maximum emphasis has been given on basic salary and pension security in these proposals. Minimum salary of ₹ 69,000 and fitment factor of 3.83. The most prominent demand of this memorandum is to increase the minimum basic salary from the current ₹ 18,000 to ₹ 69,000. The committee has suggested a fitment factor of 3.83 for this. If this is implemented, there will be a huge increase not only in the salary of the existing employees but also in the pension of the pensioners. The committee urges that these amendments should be made effective across the country from January 1, 2026 without any delay. 6% annual increment and simplification of pay matrix. To keep the financial condition of the employees in line with inflation, 6% annual increment has been proposed. Along with this, major changes in the pay structure have been recommended. According to the draft, it has been suggested to reduce the existing 18 levels of the 7th Pay Commission to only 7 major pay scales. This will simplify the promotion process and make it easier to understand the pay matrix. In the new structure, the basic salary of mid-level employees can reach from ₹ 1.35 lakh to ₹ 2.15 lakh. Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and guarantee of promotion: Regarding pension security, the committee has demanded the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) with a very strict approach, especially for those employees who have been recruited after January 1, 2004. Apart from this: It is proposed to fix the pension at 67% of the final salary. It is recommended to keep the family pension at 50%. It has been said to ensure that every employee gets at least 5 promotions or financial upgrades during 30 years of service. Reforms in allowances and new structure of social security Several important changes have been suggested in the memorandum to strengthen social security: HRA: Reduction of house rent allowance to a minimum of 30% Leave: Increase in maternity leave to 240 days and new provisions like longer paternity leave and parent care leave. Insurance and compensation: Demand to increase the amount of compensation on death while on duty and improve the insurance cover. Leave encashment: It has been suggested to remove its existing limit.