News Summary
- The NC-JCM draft committee has submitted its final memorandum to the 8th Pay Commission with key salary demands.
- Unions want minimum basic pay raised to ₹69,000, up from the current ₹18,000 under the 7th Pay Commission.
- A fitment factor of 3.83 and a 6% annual increment have been proposed for all central government employees.
- The committee wants all revisions implemented from January 1, 2026, with the Old Pension Scheme restored.
The National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery), or NC-JCM, has placed its final demands before the 8th Pay Commission. The draft committee submitted its memorandum to the commission outlining salary, pension, and allowance changes it wants from 2026. The proposals reflect rising living costs and shifting family needs across central government service.
What the 8th Pay Commission Unions Are Asking For
The headline demand is a minimum basic pay of ₹69,000. The current minimum, set under the 7th Pay Commission, stands at ₹18,000. To get there, the committee has proposed a fitment factor of 3.83, which would apply uniformly to all existing salaries and pensions. It has also asked for a 6% annual increment, higher than the current rate, so salaries keep pace with inflation over time.
The committee wants the revised pay to take effect from January 1, 2026, without delay.
Simplified Pay Structure
The draft also proposes collapsing the current 18-level pay matrix into just seven broader pay scales. The committee argues this would ease career progression and reduce stagnation. Under this structure, the second pay level would start at ₹83,200, and the third at ₹1.12 lakh. Mid-level employees could see basic pay ranging from ₹1.35 lakh to over ₹2.15 lakh, depending on their grade.
| Pay Level (Proposed) | Minimum Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | ₹69,000 |
| Level 2 | ₹83,200 |
| Level 3 | ₹1,12,000 |
| Mid-Level (lower) | ₹1,35,000 |
| Mid-Level (upper) | ₹2,15,000+ |
Pension and Promotions
The memorandum calls for restoring the Old Pension Scheme for employees who joined service after January 1, 2004. It also proposes fixing pension at 67% of last drawn pay, with family pension at 50%. Every employee should receive at least five promotions or financial upgrades over a 30-year career, the committee says. Pension revisions every five years are also on the table.
Allowances and Social Security Under the 8th Pay Commission
The NC-JCM has pushed for a higher House Rent Allowance structure. The proposed minimum HRA rate is 30%, with higher rates for metro cities. The memorandum also demands improved insurance cover and better compensation for employees in difficult postings. These demands together aim to bring the overall benefits package closer to private-sector standards, according to the committee’s submission.
8th Pay Commission: Key Demands at a Glance
| Demand | Proposed Figure |
|---|---|
| Minimum Basic Pay | ₹69,000 |
| Fitment Factor | 3.83 |
| Annual Increment | 6% |
| Pension (% of last pay) | 67% |
| Family Pension | 50% |
| HRA Minimum Rate | 30% |
| Effective Date | January 1, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum pay demand under the 8th Pay Commission?
The NC-JCM draft committee has proposed a minimum basic pay of ₹69,000. This is up from the current ₹18,000 set by the 7th Pay Commission, using a fitment factor of 3.83.
When will the 8th Pay Commission salary revisions take effect?
The NC-JCM has asked for all pay revisions to be implemented from January 1, 2026. This is the date the committee wants without any delay.
What is the fitment factor proposed for the 8th Pay Commission?
The committee has proposed a fitment factor of 3.83. This factor would be applied uniformly to all existing salaries and pensions to arrive at the revised figures.
Will the Old Pension Scheme return under the 8th Pay Commission?
The NC-JCM memorandum demands restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for employees who joined after January 1, 2004. It also proposes pension fixed at 67% of last drawn pay and family pension at 50%.
