8th Pay Commission: Employee Body Demands 3.25 Fitment Factor & 5% Annual Increment

📋 Key Demands from the FNPO

• The FNPO’s proposals are detailed in a letter sent to the National Council (Staff Side) for consideration ahead of a meeting on February 25, 2026. Here are the main points:
• Graduated Fitment Factor: Instead of a single multiplier, the FNPO recommends a range from 3.0 to 3.25 based on an employee's level. This is to correct wage erosion at lower levels and maintain pay relativity at higher ones. For example:

Levels 1-5: Factor of 3.00.

Levels 10-12: Factor of 3.10.

Level 17 (Apex Scale): Factor of 3.25.

Using this, the basic pay for an entry-level (Group C) employee would rise from ₹18,000 to ₹54,000.

Increased Annual Increment: The union has proposed raising the annual increment rate from the current 3% to 5%. This aims to provide more meaningful salary progression and reduce employee dissatisfaction, especially for those in groups with fewer promotion opportunities.

Retain Current Pay Matrix: The FNPO has requested to continue using the 7th Pay Commission's pay matrix system, citing its clarity and role in reducing pay-related disputes.

⏭️ What Happens Next?

The recommendations from the FNPO and other employee bodies will be consolidated by the National Council. A final draft is expected to be submitted to the 8th Pay Commission chairperson, Justice (Retd.) Ranjana Prakash Desai, after the February 25 meeting.