The fitment factor in the 8th Pay Commission should be minimum 2.57, the same as in the 7th Pay Commission, or even higher, according to Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary (Staff Side) of NC-JCM the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery. He mentioned that it should not be lower than what was set in the previous pay commission. Since the announcement of the 8th Pay Commission last month, discussions on salary hikes for central government employees have intensified. According to media sources, Mishra reiterated, “I still believe the fitment factor should be at least 2.57 or more.” This factor is essential in deriving base salary and pension revisions.
A fitment factor of 2.57 will led to a 157 per cent salary hike for central government employees. It means that the current minimum salary of Rs 18,000 per month will increase to Rs 46,260.
It will also lead to a commensurate hike in minimum pension from Rs 9,000 per month to Rs 23,130.
The 7th Pay Commission had recommended the fitment factor of 2.57. It had led to a hike of 157 per cent in minimum salary from Rs 7,000 to Rs 18,000 for central government employees.
Earlier, there was a demand for a fitment factor of 2.86 under the 8th Pay Commission. However, former finance secretary Subhash Garg in an interview with a news channel said that the demand for a fitment factor of 2.86 is like “asking for the moon”. He said fitment factor could be around 1.92.
If the fitment factor of 1.92 is approved, it will increase central government employees’ minimum salary from Rs 18,000 to Rs 34,560, a hike of 92 per cent.
Published the article as per media source.
