8th Pay Commission: 3 big organizations put forward demands on the 8th Pay Commission of government employees

A big and encouraging news is coming for lakhs of central government employees and pensioners. The excitement regarding the formation of the 8th Pay Commission has now intensified. The three major employee organizations of the country, Indian Railway Employees Federation (IREF), Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, and All India Railwaymen Federation (AIRF) have opened their box of demands before the government. These organizations have presented concrete proposals regarding salary increase, fitment factor and pension reforms.

Huge jump in salary: Demand for 3.68 fitment factor

The most important demand of employee organizations is regarding fitment factor. At present the fitment factor under 7th Pay Commission is 2.57. The organizations demand that it should be increased to 3.68. If the government accepts this demand, there will be a huge increase in the minimum basic salary of the employees:

• Current Minimum Wage: ₹18,000

• Proposed Minimum Wage: ₹26,000 (approximately) This will not only increase the basic salary, but will also see a proportionate increase in DA, HRA and other allowances.

Emphasis on pension reforms and Old Pension Scheme (OPS)

Along with the salary increase, the organizations have also raised the interests of pensioners prominently. The Confederation of Central Government Employees has demanded that the pension determination formula in the 8th Pay Commission be made more liberal. Along with this, the demand for restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) across the country has once again gained momentum. Organizations say that OPS is more secure for the old age of employees than the New Pension Scheme (NPS).

When will the 8th Pay Commission be formed?

Usually the central government constitutes a new pay commission every 10 years. The 7th Pay Commission was implemented in 2016, according to which the 8th Pay Commission should be implemented from January 1, 2026. The organizations argue that in view of the rising level of inflation, the government should announce the formation of the commission without any delay. According to Finance Ministry sources, the government is considering these demands and a major announcement on this is possible in the upcoming budget sessions.

Other major demands of the organizations:

• Removing pay discrepancies: Discrepancies existing between different grade pay should be eliminated.

• Revision of allowances: Traveling Allowance (TA) and Medical Allowance should be updated according to current inflation.

• Payment on time: Payment of promotions and arrears should be ensured without any technical delay.