8th Pay Commission: Are 5 Promotions in Store for Government Employees?

8th Pay Commission : The central government has approved the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) to make changes in the allowances of about 50 lakh central employees and 65 lakh pensioners. The fitment factor is the most important in the discussion on this, which decides the increase in salary and pension. Central employees and pensioners are keeping an eye on how much their salary and pension will increase. The Terms of Reference (TOR) of the CPC is also in focus, which is expected to be finalized by April 2025. The National Council - Joint Consultative Mechanism (NC-JCM) has already submitted the proposed TOR to the Commission.

How much fitment factor is in demand
NC-JCM Secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra recently said that employees should get a fair salary in view of inflation, in which the fitment factor should be at least 2.57 or more. In view of the rapid increase in inflation at present, Mishra believes that the government should not keep the fitment factor less than 2.57.

Mishra said that NC-JCM has demanded 2.86 fitting factor. If this demand is accepted then the minimum wage can increase from Rs 18,000 to Rs 51,480. Whereas the pension can increase from Rs 9,000 to Rs 36,000.

You will get at least 5 promotions
According to a Zee News report, improvements have also been proposed in the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme. If the government agrees to this proposal, an employee can get at least five promotions during his service period.

Demand to include dearness allowance (DA) in basic salary
According to reports, central employees are demanding inclusion of dearness allowance (DA) in the basic salary. They are also demanding interim relief till the new pay commission comes into effect. Mishra suggests that the 8th Pay Commission should fix the minimum salary based on the consumption requirement of "five units" instead of three.

He believes that earning employees should also take care of dependent parents, as it is a moral and legal responsibility under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2022.