New Delhi, August 19: Central government employees and pensioners are optimistic that the Narendra Modi government will establish the 8th Pay Commission on time, with expectations for its recommendations to be implemented by January 1, 2026.

The 7th Pay Commission came into effect on January 1, 2016, and revised the salaries and pension benefits of over one crore central government employees and pensioners. 8th Pay Commission Implementation: Will the Salary of Central Govt Employees Increase by 30%? Know Details.

Past Trends Suggest 2026 Timeline, But No Official Confirmation

Historically, new pay commission recommendations have been implemented every 10 years, leading to speculation that the 8th Pay Commission will be enacted in 2026. However, it is important to note that the 7th Pay Commission did not specify a 10-year term, leaving the timeline for the next commission uncertain. The government has yet to announce any plans for setting up the 8th Pay Commission, despite receiving several representations from employee unions over the past year. 8th Pay Commission Proposal Submitted to Govt for Hike in DA, Basic Pay and Pension; Know How Much Salary Will Increase If New Pay Commission is Implemented.

Fitment Factor: Key to Salary and Pension Revisions

In the transition from the 6th to the 7th Pay Commission, employee unions advocated for a fitment factor of 3.68, though the government ultimately set it at 2.57. The fitment factor is a crucial multiplier used to determine the salaries and pensions of government employees. Under the 7th Pay Commission, the minimum basic pay increased to INR 18,000 per month, while the minimum pension was raised to INR 9,000.

Potential Changes Under the 8th Pay Commission

Media reports have speculated that the government might revise salaries and pensions under the 8th Pay Commission based on a fitment factor of 1.92. If this is accurate, the minimum salary for central government employees could rise from INR 18,000 to approximately INR 34,560, with the minimum pension potentially increasing to INR 17,280. However, these figures remain speculative until the government formally sets up the commission and announces its recommendations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2024 01:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).