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The stir regarding the 8th Pay Commission for central employees and pensioners has intensified. Amidst the discussions about the upcoming budget and formation of Pay Commission, employee organizations have now started putting pressure on the government regarding their demands. The latest update has come from Defense Civilian Employees, who have not only demanded a huge increase in the minimum wage, but have also introduced a new formula regarding the fitment factor.

Big demand on fitment factor: not 2.57 but now discussion of 2.85

According to sources, various employee organizations and federations associated with the defense sector have written a letter to the government urging it to expedite the formation of the 8th Pay Commission. This time the main demand of the employees is to increase the fitment factor from 2.57 to 2.85. If the government accepts this demand, there will be a huge jump in the basic salary of the employees. This will not only benefit the current employees, but will also ensure a respectable increase in the pension of retired employees.

Proposal to increase minimum wage directly from Rs 18,000 to Rs 69,000

The most shocking and relieving news is regarding minimum pay. At present the minimum salary under the 7th Pay Commission is fixed at Rs 18,000. However, in view of the rising level of inflation and cost of living, the organizations have proposed to increase it directly to Rs 69,000. Employees argue that the current salary is not adequate compared to the increase in prices of essential commodities in the last few years. If this demand is fulfilled, there will be a revolutionary change in the living standards of the lower level employees.

Risk Allowance and special benefits for defense personnel

‘Risk Allowance’ has always been a sensitive issue for employees working in the defense sector. The new demands call for revision of allowances for civilian employees working in risky areas. Organizations say that the risk allowance given to these employees working in adverse conditions should be in proportion to their hard work and the risk to their lives. Apart from this, there has been a demand to reorganize the Night Duty Allowance and other allowances by bringing them under the ambit of the 8th Pay Commission.

Will there be a big announcement in Budget 2024-25?

After this activism of central employee organizations, all eyes are now on the next step of the central government. Although the government has not yet officially announced the date of formation of the 8th Pay Commission, but experts believe that it will not be easy for the government to appease the displeasure of the employees. In the coming time, there may be some positive signal from the government on fitment factor and minimum wage. If these demands are accepted, then about 50 lakh central employees and 67 lakh pensioners will get direct benefits.