8th CPC: 2.86 Fitment factor expected: Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary SS NC-JCM

With talk growing about the 8th Pay Commission, the employee forum involved in the negotiations is focused on securing a favorable fitment factor.

The fitment factor is the rate used to adjust the basic salary and pension of government employees and retirees. Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary, Staff Side of the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), has shared that employees expect a fitment factor of "at least 2.86" for the upcoming pay revision.

"We're looking at a fitment factor of at least 2.86, given that these revisions happen only once every 10 years. This is the demand we’ll make once the 8th Pay Commission is set up," Mishra said.

Mishra’s words carry weight since he is the staff-side chief of the NC-JCM, a platform bringing together bureaucrats and employee union leaders to settle government-employee disputes. Led by the Union Secretary, the NC-JCM aims for smooth discussions to address these issues.

Considering rising inflation, Mishra noted, "We definitely expect the 8th Pay Commission to recommend a higher fitment factor than the last one." The 7th Pay Commission had set a fitment factor of 2.57, which raised the minimum salary of central government employees from Rs 7,000 to Rs 17,990. If the next commission recommends 2.86, minimum salaries could increase from Rs 17,990 to Rs 51,451.

On reports suggesting the minimum salary could reach Rs 34,000-Rs 35,000, Mishra responded, "There’s no basis for these claims. Such demands might come from individual unions, but as the NC-JCM, we will seek a fitment factor of at least 2.86."

No Official Word on 8th Pay Commission Date

There is no formal announcement on when the 8th Pay Commission will be formed. Pay commissions are typically set up every 10 years to revise central government salaries and pensions. The last one, the 7th Pay Commission, was formed in February 2014 by the previous Manmohan Singh-led government, with its recommendations effective from January 2016.

Once formed, the pay commission consults all stakeholders and submits a report to the government, which becomes the basis for salary revisions. Senior bureaucrat TV Somanathan explained that the timing of the 7th Pay Commission was linked to a pre-election budget, which was unusual, and advised against direct comparisons.

When asked about delays, Mishra commented, "The implementation date matters more than the formation date."

"As far as I know, no government can ignore salary revision after 10 years. The last hike was effective from January 1, 2016, and I’m confident the next will be from January 1, 2026," said Mishra, who is also the secretary general of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation.