8th Pay Commission Jaipur Meeting: If you are a central government employee, this news could be very significant for you. Ahead of the 8th Pay Commission meeting scheduled for August 31, 2026, in Jaipur, employee organisations have demanded a higher bonus limit. The National Council (Staff Side) has urged the central government to raise the bonus calculation limit from ₹7,000 to ₹21,000 per month. The organisation argues that since the minimum salary limit has been set at ₹21,000, bonus calculations should also be based on this figure.
Letter Sent to the Government on August 27
Shiv Gopal Mishra, Secretary of the National Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM), submitted this demand via a letter addressed to the National Council and the Cabinet Secretary on August 27, 2026. This demand comes just before the August 31 meeting in Jaipur regarding the 8th Pay Commission, with central employees keenly awaiting updates on salary, allowances, and other benefits.
Previous Demands
The Staff Side has pointed out that the current bonus limit is outdated. This issue was previously discussed during the 49th meeting of the National Council held on May 11, 2026. At that time, the government stated that it could consider increasing the bonus limit only if the salary limit linked to bonus payments was revised. Subsequently, the Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a notification on August 25, 2026, prompting the Staff Side to call for the implementation of their long-standing demand.
Changes in the Government Notification
According to the notification issued on August 25, if an employee’s wage for bonus purposes exceeds ₹7,000 per month, the bonus calculation will be based on either ₹7,000 or the minimum wage fixed by the central government—whichever is higher. A separate notification has set the eligibility limit for receiving a bonus at a monthly salary of ₹21,000. Both notifications took effect on November 21, 2025. This has now become the basis for the employees’ demands.
Employees Eyeing Bonuses Ahead of the Festive Season
Employee organisations are now awaiting the government’s next directive. With Dussehra fast approaching, an order regarding bonuses and their disbursement could be issued soon. The National Council has urged the government to promptly issue the necessary orders on the revised bonus limit so employees can benefit directly during the upcoming festive season.
Benefits for Employees
If the government raises the bonus limit to ₹21,000, the calculated bonus amount would effectively triple compared to the current ₹7,000 figure. Many government employees stand to benefit. Employees argue that, given the rising cost of living and current minimum salary levels, the bonus system must align with the revised salary structure.