8th Pay Commission meeting on 10 February, 2025: Major issues and expectations

The Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT) and the National Council JCM (Staff Side) Standing Committee are ready to hold an important meeting to discuss important matters related to the 8th Pay Commission on 10 February 2025. The meeting will be held with members of Deputy Secretary (JCA), and National Council JCM (Staff Side). According to reports, the agenda will cover 15 major issues, including pension improvement, payment band restuition and fitment factor modification. ,

Background: 8th Pay Commission required After the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, the demand between the central government employees and pensioners for an updated pay structure is increasing. In January 2025, the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the formation of the 8th Pay Commission, which is expected to be effective from January 1, 2026. To finalize the terms of the reference (Tor) for this commission, DOPT earlier suggested the employees of the National Council JCM on 23 January 2025.

Major recommendations: The Standing Committee of the National Council JCM (Staff Side) has carried forward several proposals, which has given primary attention to improvement in pay scale, allowance and pension benefits.

1. Pay scale merger:

The proposal suggests merger of specific pay levels to create a simplified salary structure:

2. Minimum wage increase:

Demand involves establishing a minimum wage of 36,000 per month, which does not have a fitment factor below 2.0. Reports indicate that the fitment factor may be between 2.6 and 2.86, which is potentially leading to 25–30% increment for central government employees.

3. DA and DR Merger:

To ensure better financial security for employees and pensioners, it has been suggested that dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) be merged with basic salary and pension. This will prevent high tech-home pay and inflation.

4. Pension amendment:

The committee recommends amendment of the pension system, which ensures better financial stability for retired employees. It has also emphasized the need for increase in family pension.

5. MACP scheme review:

The revised assurance career progress (MACP) scheme is due to an amendment to provide better career development opportunities for government employees.

6. Allowance adjustment:

The council has suggested to review and increase many allowances, including Risk and difficulty allowance, Education allowance, medical benefits,

Importance of upcoming meeting:

The meeting of February 10, 2025 is of great importance as it will play an important role in shaping the policies of the 8th Pay Commission. Discussions will determine the final terms of reference (ToR), which will serve as the foundation of future salary,

Pension and allowance structures:

Given the high stakes involved, a detailed discussion between DOPT and National Council JCM (Staff Side) is expected to be held in the meeting. Employees and pensioners across the country are eagerly awaited results, expecting favorable financial reforms.,

Conclusion:

The 8th Pay Commission is ready to bring significant changes in pay structures, pension benefits and overall financial welfare of government employees. With a meeting of February 10, 2025, to shape the final recommendations, it is important for all stakeholders to participate actively and address their concerns.The final implementation of the 8th Pay Commission from January 1, 2026 will determine the future financial structure for central government employees and pensioners, which will make this upcoming meeting a decisive moment in the history of the Pay Commission.