The Finance Ministry recently made an announcement in the Rajya Sabha, stating that there are no current plans to set up the 8th Pay Commission. This announcement quelled speculation and rumours about the establishment of a new Pay Commission. However, recent events have reignited speculation and fuelled fresh rumours about the possibility of a new Pay Commission.
Three Opposition lawmakers in the Lok Sabha recently questioned the government about its delay in establishing the new Pay Commission. The Opposition lawmakers pointed out that more than 10 years have passed since the constitution of the 7th Pay Commission, emphasizing the need for a new pay commission. Congress MPs Jai Prakash, Ve Vaithilingam, and Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadauria, asked the Finance Ministry if they’re aware of government employees’ growing unhappiness about the delay in announcing a new Pay Commission.
Lok Sabha MPs jointly submitted questions to the ministry, saying, “whether the government is aware of resentment among central government employees for not constituting the 8th CPC (Central Pay Commission) and if so, the response of the government thereto.”
8th Pay Commission: Recent Developments
The National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has urged the Union Cabinet Secretary to speed up the formation of the new Central Pay Commission, asking to avoid any further delays. However, NDTV Profit reported that Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary, staff side of the NC-JCM in his latest statement said, “I still believe that the 8th Pay Commission is the best route to revise the wages. But, yes, it is possible that the government may come with up another (mechanism).”
What Was Expected?
Mishra earlier mentioned that the next Pay Commission might consider a fitment factor “at-least 2.86”. If the government approves the proposed fitment factor, central government employees’ minimum salary will increase by 186%, from Rs 18,000 to Rs 51,480, which is a significant jump. Additionally, with the same increase, the minimum pension could go up from Rs 9,000 to Rs 25,740.
The Finance Ministry’s statement brought clarity, but also disappointment, as it confirmed that there are no plans to form a new Pay Commission for now. However, recent developments have generated renewed excitement and speculation about the upcoming announcement of the 8th Pay Commission. The future holds the answer.
