Single Fitment Factor for All Employees under 8th Pay Commission
The upcoming 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has sparked discussions among government employees regarding the implementation of a common fitment factor across all pay levels. If this demand is accepted, it could lead to uniform percentage pay hikes for all employees, as a single multiplier would be used to compute revised salaries and allowances, ensuring equitable pay adjustments at every level.
Demand for a Uniform Fitment Factor
The National Council of Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), which represents Central Government Employees, has urged the government to implement a single fitment factor for all employees under the 8th Pay Commission. This request was highlighted in a report by NDTV Profit, which quoted Shiv Gopal Mishra, the secretary of NC-JCM (Staff Side), emphasizing the necessity of a common fitment factor across all pay bands.
The rationale behind this demand is to narrow the widening gap between minimum and maximum salaries. A uniform fitment factor would ensure that all employees receive an equal percentage increase in salary, reducing disparities and fostering greater financial equity among different levels of government staff.
Current Scenario: Under 7th Pay Commission Fitment Factor
The 7th Pay Commission adopted a differentiated approach when implementing the fitment factor. Instead of a single multiplier, different indices of rationalization were applied across various pay bands.
For example:
Employees in Pay Band 1 (with Grade Pay of ₹1,800) had a fitment factor of 2.57.
Employees in Pay Band 2 (with Grade Pay of ₹4,200) had a fitment factor of 2.62.
Employees in Pay Band 3 (with Grade Pay of ₹5,400) had a fitment factor of 2.67.
The reasoning behind these variations was based on increased roles, responsibilities, and accountability as an employee moves up the hierarchy. The 7th CPC justified this approach by stating that higher pay bands require greater expertise and responsibility, which warranted progressively higher fitment factors.
Additionally, the index of rationalization was introduced to ensure that the financial increment between successive pay bands remained reasonable. This structure was designed to balance the financial implications of pay revisions while maintaining a fair progression of salaries.
Current Status of the 8th Pay Commission
The 8th Pay Commission has been announced but has not been officially constituted yet. However, preparations are underway to set up the commission in a timely manner so that it has sufficient time to evaluate and submit its recommendations by next year.
The NC-JCM Staff Side has already submitted its suggestions for the Terms of Reference of the 8th Pay Commission. A meeting between Staff Side representatives and government officials was recently held to discuss these recommendations.
How Much Salary will Hike in 8th Pay Commission?
As central government employees across the country eagerly anticipate the formal announcement of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC), various speculations regarding salary hikes and fitment factor adjustments have been circulating on social media and news platforms.
In recent weeks, multiple media reports have suggested that the 8th Pay Commission may increase the minimum salary of central government employees by applying a fitment factor of 2.86. This has sparked considerable discussion and expectations among government employees. However, it is important to note that these reports currently lack any official confirmation. The government has not yet established the 8th Pay Commission, and until an official notification is released, any assumptions about specific salary increments remain purely speculative.
Conclusion
While the demand for a single fitment factor is gaining traction among government employees, the government’s stance on this issue remains uncertain. If implemented, it could bring greater uniformity in pay revisions and help reduce wage disparities. However, considering past pay commissions’ rationale, the government may still opt for differentiated multipliers based on job roles and responsibilities. The final decision will be made once the 8th Pay Commission is officially set up and begins its deliberations.