New Delhi: A very good news is coming for lakhs of central employees and pensioners of the country. The stir regarding the 8th Pay Commission has intensified, due to which the expectations of the employees have gained new wings. After the recent high-level meetings held in Delhi, some shocking proposals have emerged which can change the fate of government employees. This includes big steps ranging from a huge increase in the minimum wage to redefining the ‘family unit’.
Very important meetings were held in Delhi from 28th to 30th April regarding the 8th Pay Commission. In this meeting, government officials and representatives of employee organizations discussed in detail the salaries, allowances and future reforms. Experts believe that with these meetings, the formal consultation process regarding the formation of the new Pay Commission and its recommendations has begun.
This time the employee organizations have put forward a unique and big demand to the government. Currently only 3 members are counted in a ‘family’ for salary calculations and benefits. But now there is a demand that it should be increased to 5 members (including parents). If the government redefines “family unit”, there will be a huge increase in the allowances and facilities of the employees.
Most of the discussion is taking place regarding minimum salary. Based on the new calculations and formulas, it is proposed to increase the fitment factor to 3.83. If this happens, the current minimum basic salary of ₹18,000 may increase to around ₹69,000. This is considered to be the biggest jump so far.
One of the main demands of the employees is regarding the benefits they get on promotion. He says that in the 7th Pay Commission, the economic growth at the time of promotion had reduced, which should be rectified and now 2 increments (incentives) should be given back on promotion. Apart from this, in view of rising inflation in cities, it has been recommended to increase HRA, Transport Allowance and Education Allowance by three times.
Special emphasis has also been laid on the facilities of women employees in the proposals of the 8th Pay Commission. This includes suggestions like menstrual leave, restoration of full salary during child care leave, and extending the duration of maternity and paternity leave for better work-life balance.
Regarding pension, the employees are still adamant on the demand of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), although the existing Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is guaranteeing about 50% of the pension. Along with this, there has also been talk of reducing the duty hours from 12 to 8 hours and improving safety at the workplace. Most importantly, it has been proposed to increase the compensation amount in case of on-duty death from Rs 1 to Rs 2 crore.
