The 8th Pay Commission has become one of the most anticipated announcements for central government employees. While the government had promised earlier this year to set up the commission, the process has been delayed, leaving lakhs of employees frustrated. Adding to the pressure, employee unions are gearing up for a major protest on 19 September 2025.
Recently, however, a positive update from the government has revived hopes. Let’s take a detailed look at the latest developments regarding the 8th Pay Commission, fitment factor, pension hike, and salary increment.
Government’s Promise on the 8th Pay Commission
The formation of the 8th Pay Commission has been pending for months. The government had assured that the new pay panel would be set up at the beginning of 2025, but no concrete progress has been made yet.
Central Minister Jitendra Singh recently stated that the commission will be constituted “very soon.” He also confirmed that the Centre is holding discussions with state governments, and once consultations are completed, the commission will be officially announced.
Key Demands of Employees
- Restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Employee unions’ biggest demand remains the return of OPS. However, the government has clarified that it is not considering this option at the moment.
- Higher Fitment Factor: Employees want a higher fitment factor to ensure better salary hikes in line with rising inflation.
Fitment Factor and Salary Increment Possibilities
In the 7th Pay Commission, the fitment factor was fixed at 2.57, which doubled salaries for many employees.
For the 8th Pay Commission, employees are demanding a minimum fitment factor of 3.5 or higher. Discussions suggest that the final range may fall between 2.86 and 3.5, which could result in a 13% to 34% salary hike.
Currently, the minimum salary of central government employees is ₹18,000. If the new fitment factor is applied, the revised minimum salary could rise to ₹22,000–₹25,000 per month.
Pension Revision Under the 8th Pay Commission
The pension structure is also expected to undergo significant changes. At present, pensioners receive a minimum of ₹9,000. With the new fitment factor, this could also increase proportionately.
Notably, there are nearly 69 lakh pensioners in India who will benefit directly from the upcoming changes.
New Pension Formula Under Discussion
Three different pension models are being debated:
- NPS (National Pension Scheme): No guarantee of fixed pension.
- UPS (Universal Pension Scheme): Offers 50% pension guarantee.
- Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Guaranteed lifelong pension, currently the employees’ top demand.
Reports suggest that the government may introduce a hybrid pension formula, combining elements of NPS, UPS, and OPS to provide more security to employees and retirees.
Upcoming Employee Protest on 19 September
Frustrated by delays, employee unions have called for a nationwide protest on 19 September 2025. They are demanding immediate action on the 8th Pay Commission as well as restoration of OPS.
Key Highlights of the 8th Pay Commission
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission Status | Yet to be formed; government assures it will be set up soon. |
| Fitment Factor | Expected between 2.86 – 3.5 (13% – 34% salary hike). |
| Salary Hike | Minimum salary may increase to ₹22,000–₹25,000. |
| Pension Formula | Discussion on merging NPS, UPS, and OPS into a new model. |
| Employee Protest | Nationwide protest scheduled for 19 September 2025. |
Conclusion
The 8th Pay Commission remains a matter of high concern for millions of central government employees and pensioners. While the government has issued fresh assurances, delays have created dissatisfaction among employees. The upcoming protest on 19 September will be crucial in pressuring the government to speed up the process.
Employees are now eagerly waiting to see how soon the government announces the new pay commission and whether their demands for higher salaries and secure pensions will finally be met.
