There is growing speculation surrounding the possibility of forming the 8th Pay Commission. The Union Finance Ministry announced in the Rajya Sabha that there are currently no plans to establish a new pay commission. Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State for Finance, has made it clear that the government doesn’t plan to establish a new pay commission at this time.
Prior to this, the National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has appealed to the Union Cabinet Secretary to accelerate the formation of the new Central Pay Commission without any further delays. “The 7th Central Pay Commission was constituted on February 28, 2014, nearly two years before its implementation on January 1, 2016. With only a year left for the next revision, there is no justification for further delay,” said Shiv Gopal Mishra, secretary, staff side, NC-JCM.
However, NDTV Profit recently quoted Mishra, saying, “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).” This translates that the Narendra Modi government is reportedly mulling a major break from tradition, potentially doing away with the 8th Pay Commission entirely.
8th Pay Commission: 186% Salary Hike Coming?
Mishra earlier said that the upcoming Pay Commission may consider a minimum fitment factor of “at-least 2.86”. If the government approves the proposed fitment factor, central government employees minimum salary may jump by 186%, from the current Rs 18,000 to Rs 51,480. Additionally, the minimum pension for central government employees is likely to increase from Rs 9,000 to Rs 25,740, applying the same fitment factor.
Big Debate In Parliament
The Finance Ministry’s announcement, somehow, quelled the speculation and rumors about the establishment of a new Pay Commission. However, recent developments have sparked renewed speculation surrounding the potential formation of a new Pay Commission.
Three Opposition lawmakers in the Lok Sabha recently pressed the government for answers on the delayed establishment of the 8th Pay Commission. Opposition lawmakers have stressed the need for a new pay commission, pointing out that more than a decade has passed since the government established the 7th Pay Commission.
Congress MPs Jai Prakash, Ve Vaithilingam, and Samajwadi Party MP Anand Bhadauria, questioned the government about its awareness of the growing discontent among government employees regarding the delayed announcement of a new Pay Commission.
“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,” jointly asked the opposition MPs.
Meanwhile, recent developments have left central government employees and pensioners feeling uncertain and disappointed. The future of a new pay commission remains unclear, and it’s essential to keep a close eye on updates.
