8th Pay Commission: Employees Demand 3.25 Fitment Factor, 7% Annual Increment

• Central government employees and pensioners anticipate significant economic changes with the 8th Pay Commission.
• NC JCM meeting on February 25, 2026, in Delhi will discuss salary hikes, allowances, and pensions.
• Employee organizations demand increasing the fitment factor from 2.57 to 3.25, potentially boosting basic salary by Rs 12,240 for an Rs 18,000 base.
• A higher fitment factor would proportionally increase DA, HRA, and retirement benefits like gratuity and pension.
• Demands also include considering a family unit of 5 for minimum wage calculation and increasing leave encashment to 400 days.