The discussion around the upcoming 8th Pay Commission has gained momentum, bringing fresh hope for millions of central government employees across India. Reports suggest that the drafting committee has begun meetings to evaluate proposals related to salary revisions, allowances, and overall pay structure. If the recommendations put forward by employee unions are accepted, it could lead to a significant increase in both minimum and maximum salaries for government staff.

According to suggestions submitted by employee organizations, the minimum basic salary could increase from the current ₹18,000 to ₹54,000. At the same time, the maximum salary for senior officials may rise to around ₹6 lakh or more per month. These proposals are currently under discussion, and any final decision will depend on recommendations prepared by the committee reviewing the pay structure.

Drafting Committee Begins Work on Salary Proposals

The drafting committee associated with the 8th Pay Commission has reportedly started deliberations in New Delhi. The panel is examining suggestions received from various employee unions and organizations that represent central government workers.

The committee’s objective is to assess whether the existing salary structure requires adjustments to match the rising cost of living, inflation, and evolving economic conditions. The final recommendations will be submitted to the commission after reviewing all proposals.

If approved, the changes could affect employees from entry-level positions to top administrative officials.

Proposal to Increase Maximum Salary for Senior Officials

One of the key proposals comes from the Federation of National Postal Organisations, which has recommended increasing the maximum salary range. According to the suggestion, the current maximum pay level could rise from about ₹6.57 lakh to around ₹8.12 lakh under the revised pay structure.

This proposal is linked to a new fitment factor and revised salary framework aimed at balancing pay scales across different government positions. If implemented, senior officials in higher pay levels could see a significant increase in their basic salary.

Such revisions are often considered necessary to ensure that salary structures remain competitive and aligned with economic realities.

Minimum Salary May See Major Jump

Employee unions have also proposed a substantial hike in the minimum basic salary. At present, the entry-level pay for central government employees stands at ₹18,000, which was introduced under the 7th Pay Commission.

The new recommendation suggests raising this amount to ₹54,000 with a fitment factor of around 3. If implemented, this would mark a major boost for entry-level employees, including support staff and lower-grade workers.

An increase in minimum salary could improve the financial stability of employees and enhance their purchasing power, especially in the context of rising living expenses.

Effort to Reduce Salary Gap Between Levels

Another key proposal focuses on reducing the gap between the lowest and highest pay levels. Currently, under the 7th Pay Commission, the ratio between minimum and maximum salary is about 1:14.

Employee groups have suggested bringing this ratio down to between 1:8 and 1:9. The goal is to make the salary structure more balanced and equitable across various government job categories.

If adopted, this approach could help reduce pay disparity and ensure fair compensation for employees at different levels.

Multi-Level Fitment Factor Suggested

The proposal also includes introducing a multi-level fitment factor ranging from 3.00 to 3.25 depending on the pay level. This recommendation is reportedly based on the Akroyd formula, which calculates minimum wages considering the needs of a family of four.

Under this structure:

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  Pay Levels 1–5 may receive a fitment factor of around 3.00.

  
  


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  Levels 6–12 could fall between 3.05 and 3.10.

  
  


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  Levels 13–15 may have factors between 3.05 and 3.15.

  
  


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  Levels 16–18 could see factors up to 3.25.

  
  

If these changes are implemented, the expected basic salary range could increase significantly across all pay levels.

What Happens Next

The drafting committee is expected to review the proposals over several meetings and prepare a final memorandum. This document will then be submitted to the 8th Pay Commission, which will analyze the recommendations before finalizing its report.

The commission’s final suggestions will ultimately determine whether these salary hikes become reality. Meanwhile, the government has also begun recruitment for key positions related to the commission, indicating that the process is moving forward.

For now, employees across various departments are closely watching developments related to the 8th Pay Commission, as any revision in the pay structure could bring a substantial improvement in their earnings and benefits.