The central government employees are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission recommendations, which are expected to bring a significant salary hike. Before the official announcement, various estimates are being made about the possible increase, with the fitment factor playing a crucial role in the calculations.

Looking at past trends, the 6th Pay Commission had set the fitment factor at 1.92, resulting in a 1.92 times increase in basic salary. The 7th Pay Commission raised this factor to 2.57, which led to the basic pay being multiplied by 2.57. Following the formation of the 8th Pay Commission, employees and pensioners are hopeful for another substantial boost in their earnings.

Experts suggest that if the fitment factor for the 8th Pay Commission settles around 1.92, 2.15, or 2.57, employees from Level 1 to Level 5 could see a notable rise in their basic pay, ranging from minimum wage workers to mid-level staff. Manjeet Singh Patel, National President of the All India NPS Employees Federation, estimates the fitment factor might be around 2.13. This figure takes into account the current 58% Dearness Allowance, potential future rises in DA, annual increments, and family unit calculations.

This indicates a strong possibility of a significant increase in income for central government employees once the 8th Pay Commission’s recommendations take effect.

According to the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix, central government employees are divided into 18 levels. Level 1 starts with Group D employees, while Level 18 is reserved for the highest administrative position of Cabinet Secretary. These levels encompass employees from Group D, C, B, and A categories.

Ramchandran Krishnamurthy, Director of Payroll Services at Nexdigm, explains that the fitment factor is usually determined by the employer, pay commission, or compensation committee after considering various economic and organizational factors. He adds that it is generally calculated by combining basic pay and grade pay, along with evaluating necessary increment levels.