New Delhi: A very good news is coming for lakhs of central government employees and pensioners. The stir regarding the 8th Pay Commission has intensified and the representative body of employee unions, NC-JCM, has submitted a explosive proposal to the government. This proposal not only talks about increasing the salary, but there is a preparation to change the entire old system of determining the salary. If this demand is accepted, then the minimum basic salary of the employees can directly reach Rs 69,000.

Now salary will be decided according to 5 members

Till now, while determining the salary of government employees, a family of 3 members was considered the basis. But now NC-JCM has suggested that it be increased to 5-member family model. It has been advocated to include the employee, his wife, two children and elderly parents. The logic is that in today’s era, employees also have the responsibility of their parents, which was ignored till now. Keeping this social change in mind, a demand has arisen to prepare a new salary structure.

Big change in living wage and calorie count

This time the ‘Living Wage’ formula has been used to calculate the minimum wage. In this, not only food, clothing and shelter, but also digital needs like electricity, water, expensive education of children, social responsibilities and internet have been included. Interestingly, there is a demand to upgrade food standards also. Earlier the expenditure was calculated on the basis of 2700 calories, which is now proposed to be increased to 3490 calories. Obviously, when calories increase, the food budget will increase and accordingly the salary will also increase.

Salary will increase due to fitment factor

The most important demand for the 8th Pay Commission is regarding ‘fitment factor’. Presently under the 7th Pay Commission it is 2.57, which has been proposed to be increased to 3.83. If the government approves this magical figure, then there will be a huge increase in the amount coming into the pockets of employees and pensioners. This will not only improve the future of the existing employees, but will also bring major improvement in the pension of retired employees.

New suggestion on increment and salary difference

The proposal also calls for increasing the annual increment from 3% to 6%. Apart from this, it has been suggested to merge some pay levels so that stagnation in career can be eliminated. Another important demand is that the difference between the lowest and highest paid officers should not be more than 1:12. The aim of these steps is to make the government pay structure more transparent and beneficial.

Economy and the way forward

Experts believe that increasing the salary will increase the burden on the government treasury, but will bring money into the market. Purchasing power of people will increase, which will boost the country’s economy and tax collection will also improve. At present, the government has set time till April 30, 2026 to consider these suggestions. Now all eyes are on the next step of the government, because it could prove to be the biggest wage reform in recent decades.