8th Pay Commission: The 8th Pay Commission convened in Chennai on September 7th and 8th before heading to Puducherry for a meeting with pensioners and employees’ organizations on August 9th. The commission is scheduled to meet in Chandigarh from August 16th to 18th. Employee groups have consistently urged for higher fitment factors, House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Dearness Allowance (DA).

1. Demand for a fourfold increase in DA under the 8th Pay Commission

Certain employee associations are pushing for a fourfold rise in DA under the 8th Pay Commission. Currently, central government employees receive DA increments twice a year, in January and July.

2. Proposal to merge 25% DA with Basic Pay under the 8th Pay Commission

The National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), the All India Defence Employees Federation, and the All India News Pension Scheme Employees Federation have put forth a request to the Pay Commission concerning DA. They propose that when DA reaches 25 percent, it should be merged with basic pay. Presently, DA is not merged with basic pay at any stage, with the current rate standing at 62 percent.

3. Call for merging Basic Pay upon reaching 50 percent DA

The Indian Railway Supervisors Association and Progressive Teachers Justice Forum have requested merging Basic Pay when DA reaches 50 percent.

4. Request for an increase in annual increment

The NC-JCM and the National Federation of Postal Employees seek a 6 percent annual salary increment, while the All India New Pension Scheme Employees Federation is asking for a 7 percent annual raise.

5. Push for higher fitment factor and family unit under the 8th Pay Commission

Most organizations are advocating for an elevated fitment factor, with some suggesting a factor of 3.84. Additionally, there are appeals to raise the family unit from 3 to 5. It should be noted that employees’ salaries will be impacted by the fitment factor. For example, if a fitment factor of 4 is adopted, the basic pay of level 1 employees could rise from Rs 18,000 to Rs 72,000. The 8th Pay Commission was established in November of the previous year.