The Staff Side of the NC-JCM has proposed a fitment factor of 3.833 by considering a family unit of five members, representing a significant increase from the expected 1.9-2.1 range. According to latest reports, this calculation is based on comprehensive household expenditure analysis covering food, clothing, housing, and other essential costs. The proposed minimum salary at Pay Scale 3 is ₹1,12,000, achieved by applying the 3.8333 fitment factor to the existing minimum salary of ₹29,200 at Level 4 under the 7th Pay Commission. The maximum salary at this pay scale would reach ₹3,52,663 using the same methodology.
Mohit Goyal, proprietor of Mohit S Goyal & Co., believes a fitment factor of 1.90 to 2.10 is the most realistic outcome given the government's fiscal constraints. As reported by Essential Business Intelligence, Goyal stated that "a factor above 2.3 appears less probable" due to fiscal considerations. Adhil Shetty, chief executive officer of BankBazaar, provided current estimates ranging from 2.28 to 2.86, emphasizing that the final figure will depend on inflation, fiscal considerations and discussions with employee representatives.
The Staff Side has submitted comprehensive proposals to address longstanding issues with bonus calculations for central government employees. According to their memorandum to the 8th CPC, both PLB and non-PLB bonuses are currently calculated on monthly emoluments capped at ₹7,000 for 30 days, which they describe as "irrational" and must be removed. The Staff Side highlighted that several employees have been getting less than 30 days of wages as PLB for the past few years, violating the Bonus Act and Fundamental Principles of Bonus. They propose that the minimum bonus should not be less than 30 days emoluments for all categories of employees, regardless of rank or post, with removal of government-fixed ceilings for Railways, Defence and Postal departments.
According to Goyal's analysis reported by Essential Business Intelligence, while the fitment factor is crucial, the overall compensation package will depend on revisions to house rent allowance, transport allowance, children's education allowance and other service benefits. He noted that meaningful improvements in these components could help deliver a balanced and practical outcome despite a relatively lower multiplier, as allowances are calculated on revised basic pay. The Staff Side's proposal includes housing costs at 7.5% of total expenses, fuel, electricity, and water charges at 20%, and additional provisions for marriage, recreation, and festivals at 25%.
The 8th Pay Commission is expected to submit its report by May 2027, representing an 18-month timeline from its notification in November 2025. As reported by Essential Business Intelligence, the Commission is holding regional consultations with employee unions and pensioners to gather feedback on pay, allowances, pensions and service conditions before submitting its report. While employee groups have sought a higher fitment factor to substantially raise basic pay, experts say the final recommendation will have to balance these demands with the government's fiscal position. The Staff Side's suggestions are not binding on the pay panel, which may accept or reject any or all of their proposals in preparing its final report.
