8th Pay Commission News: One year has passed since the Eighth Pay Commission was formed, but central employees and pensioners are still eagerly waiting for the increase in salary and pension. Central employees are constantly asking questions that how much will be the fitment factor, how much will be the minimum basic salary increased and how much will be the increase in pension. Although the final approval from the government is yet to be given, but the Commission has accelerated its preparations. Even though the final decision of the Government is yet to come on fitment factor, new basic salary and pension increase, but in this one year the Commission has taken many big steps. Let us know the 5 biggest updates till now related to the 8th Pay Commission…
1. Commission has to submit report by May 2027
The government constituted the 8th Pay Commission on 3 November 2025. Earlier on 28 October 2025, the Union Cabinet had approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Commission. In the commission, Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai was made the chairperson, Professor Pulak Ghosh was made the part-time member and Pankaj Jain was made the member secretary. The commission has got 18 months to submit its report. That means he has to submit the report by May 3, 2027.
2. Questionnaire of 18 questions released
On February 5, 2026, the Commission released a questionnaire consisting of 18 questions. Through this, suggestions were sought from government departments, employees, pensioners, organizations and researchers on issues related to salary, pension and work. The last date for submitting it was 31 March 2026.
3. Date for submission of memorandum extended
From March 5, 2026, the Commission sought memorandum of its demands from employees, pensioners, unions and other organizations. It had to be submitted on the Commission’s website and MyGov portal. Earlier its last date was 30 April, which was extended to 31 May and then to 15 June 2026.
4. Demand for minimum salary of ₹69,000 and 3.833 fitment factor.
NC-JCM in its memorandum has demanded to keep the minimum basic salary at ₹ 69,000 and fitment factor at 3.833. Apart from this, demands have also been made for minimum pension equal to 67% of the last basic salary, 6% increment annually, change in HRA rates and adding it to the basic salary if DA is 25%.
5. Stakeholders’ meetings started from April
The Commission started meetings with stakeholders from Dehradun on 24 April 2026. In these meetings, organizations associated with central employees and pensioners put forth their demands and suggestions. The last meeting so far was held on 22 and 23 October in Mumbai. The Commission may also hold some more meetings in the coming time.
No decision yet on fitment factor and pension
Fitment factor and new minimum basic salary are the most important issues for employees. A fitment factor of 2.57 was implemented in the 7th Pay Commission, due to which the minimum basic salary increased from ₹ 7,000 to ₹ 18,000. It is not yet decided how much fitment factor will be given this time. At the same time, pensioners are also waiting for the increase in basic pension and family pension. The scope of the commission also includes benefits related to pension and retirement. However, the government has not yet given any information on the new pension formula or by how much the pension will increase.
Will the new salary be implemented from January 1, 2026?
According to the government’s press release of October 28, 2025, the impact of the 8th Pay Commission was expected to take effect from January 1, 2026. But the official order to implement it has not come. On August 10, 2026, the Finance Ministry had also told in the Lok Sabha that the Commission has not yet submitted its recommendations to the government.
Let us tell you that the Pay Commission can give the report by May 2027 and if needed, it can also give an interim report on some issues. After this the government will review the recommendations and take a decision. If approval is given to implement it retrospectively from January 1, 2026, then employees and pensioners may also get arrears. At present, the final decision on fitment factor, new salary, pension and date of implementation is awaited.
Source: ndtv.in
