The staff side of the National Council–Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) has submitted an extensive memorandum to the proposed 8th Central Pay Commission. The memorandum seeks a significant overhaul of salary structures, allowances, and pension benefits for Central government employees.
At the core of the proposal is a sharp increase in minimum basic pay. The body has recommended fixing it at Rs 69,000, backed by a fitment factor of 3.833. This marks a substantial jump from the current framework under the 7th Pay Commission and reflects demands for a stronger alignment with rising expenses.
The memorandum also calls for a revision in the annual increment rate. It proposes doubling the increment from three to six per cent, arguing that the existing rate no longer keeps pace with inflation and the increasing cost of living. A higher increment, it suggests, would ensure more realistic wage progression over time.
In addition, the staff body has suggested restructuring pay levels. It has recommended merging certain lower and mid-tier pay bands to simplify the system, while retaining higher levels with adjustments based on the new fitment formula. The aim is to create a more balanced and rational pay hierarchy.
Changes to allowances have also been proposed.
The memorandum includes a push for revising House Rent Allowance (HRA) across different city categories, signalling a likely increase to better reflect current housing costs.
The recommendations, if accepted, could lead to a significant revision in compensation for Central government employees and pensioners, with wider implications for public-sector expenditure.
