8th Pay Commission: Maharashtra Pension Body Demands ₹65,000 Minimum Salary and Higher Fitment Factor
Discussions surrounding the upcoming 8th Pay Commission are gaining momentum as employee unions and pensioner organizations continue presenting fresh proposals before the commission. In the latest development, pension bodies and employee associations from Maharashtra have demanded a massive increase in minimum basic salary, along with a major revision in the fitment factor for central government employees and pensioners.
The recent meetings held by the commission with officials and employee representatives from the Defence Ministry and Railway Ministry indicate that preparations for the next pay revision are moving at a fast pace. Several rounds of consultations are reportedly taking place in different regions, including Jammu and other cities, where stakeholders are sharing their expectations regarding salaries, pensions, and allowances.
Demand to Raise Minimum Basic Pay to ₹65,000
One of the biggest demands raised by Maharashtra-based pensioner and employee organizations is to increase the minimum basic salary from the current ₹18,000 to ₹65,000 under the new pay commission structure.
According to the organizations, the sharp increase in inflation and the rising cost of living have made it difficult for employees and pensioners to manage household expenses. They argue that essentials such as healthcare, education, transportation, housing, and food have become significantly more expensive over the years, making a substantial salary revision necessary.
Employee groups believe that the current pay structure no longer reflects modern economic realities and that a strong revision is needed to improve financial stability for government workers and retired employees.
Fitment Factor Revision Demand
Apart from the minimum salary demand, organizations have also proposed a major increase in the fitment factor. At present, the fitment factor under the previous pay structure stands at 2.57. However, employee representatives are now demanding that it be increased to 3.8.
The fitment factor plays a crucial role in calculating revised salaries and pensions under every pay commission. A higher fitment factor directly increases the overall salary structure, pension benefits, and allowances for employees.
If a 3.8 fitment factor is approved, it could result in a substantial jump in salaries and retirement benefits for lakhs of government employees and pensioners across the country.
Pensioners Also Seeking Relief
Pension organizations have reportedly emphasized that retired employees are among the worst affected by inflation because they largely depend on fixed monthly income. Rising medical expenses and daily living costs have added pressure on senior citizens, increasing demands for pension revision and better dearness relief support.
The pension bodies are therefore urging the commission to ensure that pension revisions remain aligned with any increase in employee salaries.
Meetings With Key Ministries Continue
The commission has already begun consultations with major departments including the Defence Ministry and Railways. These discussions are considered important because both sectors employ a large number of government workers and pensioners.
Officials and unions are expected to continue presenting recommendations over the coming months as the government evaluates salary structures, allowances, and pension reforms under the proposed pay commission framework.
Expectations Rising Among Employees
The possibility of significant changes in salary and pension structures has generated strong interest among central government employees nationwide. Although no official recommendations have been finalized yet, employee unions remain hopeful that the government will consider demands related to higher minimum pay, improved fitment factors, and inflation-linked financial support.
With consultations progressing rapidly, the 8th Pay Commission is expected to remain one of the most closely watched issues among government employees and pensioners in the coming months.
