8th Pay Commission: Will teachers’ basic salary reaches Rs 1.34 lakh? The Teachers’ Association has submitted its requests for a salary increase to the 8th Pay Commission. Employee groups have suggested significant modifications to salaries, allowances, and retirement benefits. The primary request is to raise the basic salary for entry-level teachers (Level 6) to Rs 1,34,500. In addition, the proposed salary for Level 1 employees is set to rise to between Rs 50,000 and Rs 60,000.
Demand to raise the fitment factor
To boost salaries, there is a proposal to elevate the fitment factor from 2.57 to 2.62 and then to 3.83. The fitment factor is crucial for determining new salary scales. Should this adjustment take place, employees could experience a substantial salary increase. Additionally, there is a push to enhance the annual increment from 3% to between 6% and 7%.
Discussion on incorporating DA into basic salary
Another significant request is that when the dearness allowance (DA) hits 50%, it should be included in the basic salary. This adjustment would raise the overall salary and improve retirement benefits.
Increase in HRA and other allowances
Teachers’ organizations have proposed raising HRA to 12%, 24%, and 36%. They are also advocating for an increase in the transport allowance to 12-15% of the basic salary, with a minimum set at Rs 9,000. Furthermore, there is a proposal to raise the children’s education allowance from Rs 2,800 to Rs 7,000 per month.
Request for digital allowances and leave adjustments
In light of current circumstances, a request has been made for a digital allowance of Rs 2,000. Additionally, changes to leave policies have been suggested, including 14 casual leaves, 30 earned leaves, and 20 medical leaves. There is also a demand for 400 days of leave encashment upon retirement.
Bonus and healthcare provisions
Employees are requesting a minimum bonus of Rs 27,640 and an increase in group insurance coverage to Rs 2 crore, along with a proposal for 100% cashless medical services.
Changes in promotion and retirement
To speed up the promotion system, there has been a demand to award promotions every six years. There has also been a call to reduce the time to become a PGT from a TGT to 6-7 years. Furthermore, there have been suggestions to increase the gratuity limit to Rs 50 lakh and the retirement age to 65 years.
Demand for withdrawal of OPS
The most important demand is the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Employees want the OPS to replace the NPS, ensuring a fixed pension after retirement.
