In one of the key interactions, representatives of the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery) (staff side), led by secretary Shiv Gopal Mishra, met the Commission chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to present their demands and proposals.
The meeting forms part of a broader engagement exercise in which the Commission is inviting memoranda and holding discussions with unions and associations across states and union territories. Earlier, it began state-level consultations, including its first in-person interaction with employee associations in Uttarakhand.
Focus on pay, allowances and pension
According to information shared by employee representatives and official communications, the ongoing discussions are centred on core compensation issues, including pay structure, allowances, pension, and the dearness allowance (DA) framework.
A major point of deliberation is the fitment factor, which determines the revision in basic pay. Employee unions have proposed a higher fitment factor—ranging above 3.25—with some submissions suggesting figures above 3.8, alongside demands for a substantial increase in minimum basic pay.
Pension-related concerns have also featured prominently, with multiple demands aimed at improving financial security for retired employees.
Consultation process
The Commission had earlier invited unions and associations to submit memoranda ahead of the Delhi meetings, with a deadline in April. It indicated that, due to a compressed schedule, not all requests for interaction during the current round may be accommodated, though additional meetings are planned.
This round of discussions follows earlier internal deliberations, including a March meeting of drafting committee members to review a common memorandum submitted by employee and pensioner bodies.
The Commission has also circulated a detailed questionnaire seeking stakeholder inputs on salary, pension, and employment-related matters, signalling a structured approach to gathering feedback before finalising its recommendations.
Background and timeline
The government constituted the 8th Pay Commission in November 2025 to review salaries, allowances, and pension benefits of central government employees. The Commission has been tasked with submitting its recommendations within 18 months of its formation.
While employee groups have stepped up demands for higher pay revisions citing inflation and rising living costs, the final quantum of any increase will depend on the Commission’s recommendations—particularly the fitment factor—and the government’s subsequent decision.
