We can probably say that a Pay Commission decides the future of Central Government Employees and Pensioners for at least 10 years. India has the population of about 140 crores. 1 crore of these 140 crores, currently enjoy the privilege of being the workers or ex-workers of the Central Government. The then UPA government formed the 7th Pay Commission in 2014 and the NDA government implemented it in 2016.

The union cabinet, in January, this year, gave its nod to the 8th Pay Commission. The central government typically forms a Pay Commission every 10 years. Furthermore, under the 7th Pay Commission, the minimum basic salary for central government employees is Rs 18,000 and the minimum basic pension for pensioners is Rs 9,000.

8th Pay Commission: Potential Pay Hike

M. Raghavaiah, staff side leader of the National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), recently told NDTV Profit that they will consider a ‘fitment factor of 2’ under the new Pay Commission. This will translate into a 100% Pay hike.

Meanwhile, former finance secretary of India, Subhash Chandra Garg, told News24 that the government may approve the fitment factor of 1.92-2.08. However, Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary staff side of NC–JCM, in an interview with News24 said that the new fitment factor should not be less than 2.86. Considering these fitment factors, the potential pay revisions may range between 92% and 186%.

Here’s the possible pay revision under the new Pay Commission.

Timeline

Several media reports quoted Expenditure Secretary of India, Manoj Govil saying that the new Pay Commission may commence its work in April 2025.

However, Shiv Gopal Mishra said to News24, “I’m hopeful that the 8th Pay Commission will be established by February 15th, 2025. The Commission’s report will be finalized by November 30th, and the government will review it in December for further consideration, and the new Pay Commission can be implemented from January 2026 in the country.”