Overview
- The Narendra Modi-led government has constituted the 8th Pay Commission to reassess central pay, allowances and pensions.
- Early media estimates suggest soldiers’ minimum basic pay could increase by about 25% to 35% after implementation, subject to the panel’s proposals.
- Reports indicate the fitment factor, a key multiplier in pay revisions, may be raised from 2.57 to about 2.86, though no decision has been finalized.
- If that fitment factor is adopted, projections say the minimum basic pay for central employees could move from ₹18,000 to roughly ₹51,480.
- About 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners, including ex-servicemen, are in scope, and reports say pension adjustments could include higher Dearness Allowance once recommendations are approved.