Kolkata Hosts Stakeholder Consultations for 8th Pay Commission

Stakeholder Consultations Begin in Kolkata

The 8th Pay Commission has initiated a two-day series of stakeholder discussions in Kolkata, marking a crucial step in its nationwide effort to gather insights before finalizing its recommendations regarding salaries, allowances, and pensions for central government employees and pensioners. These discussions are set to take place from July 9 to July 10, following similar meetings held in Bhubaneswar on July 6-7. Prior to these, the Commission engaged with employee associations and pensioners in various cities, including Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Srinagar, and Ladakh.

These consultations are anticipated to serve as a vital platform for government employees and unions to voice their concerns, proposals, and expectations. Although immediate decisions are not expected, the outcomes of these discussions will likely influence the Commission's final report, which will determine the future pay structure for numerous central government employees and pensioners.

A key topic on the agenda for the Kolkata meetings is the adjustment of the fitment factor, which is essential in calculating revised basic salaries. Various employee organizations have proposed a significant increase from the 2.57 fitment factor suggested by the 7th Pay Commission, with most unions advocating for a multiplier ranging from 2.86 to 3.8. Recently, the Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh (BPMS) proposed a 4x fitment factor, potentially elevating the minimum basic salary to Rs 72,000. Meanwhile, the National Council (JCM) Staff Side (NCJCM) has recommended a fitment factor of 3.833 in its submissions. Given these proposals, employee representatives at the Kolkata consultations are likely to push for an increase in the current minimum basic pay of Rs 18,000.

Pension, HRA, and Career Progression Reforms on the Agenda

In addition to salary adjustments, pension-related matters are expected to be a focal point during the consultations. Several employee unions continue to advocate for the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), despite the introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) by the Centre. The demand for the return of OPS remains a long-standing issue likely to be discussed during the meetings.

Stakeholders are also anticipated to request modifications to the House Rent Allowance (HRA) framework, particularly concerning the reclassification of certain cities in West Bengal and the Northeast. Other expected demands include parity in Dearness Relief, enhanced medical facilities and reimbursements for pensioners, increased allowances, and reforms to the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme.

The Kolkata consultations are expected to concentrate on several key demands from employee unions, including revising the fitment factor to between 2.86 and 3.833, with some proposals advocating for a 4x multiplier, raising the minimum basic pay from Rs 18,000 to as high as Rs 72,000, restoring the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), reclassifying select cities in West Bengal and the Northeast for House Rent Allowance (HRA), and addressing issues such as Dearness Relief (DR) parity, medical reimbursements, allowance revisions, and MACP reforms.

Prior to the Kolkata consultations, the Commission had invited stakeholders to submit their memoranda via its official portal and obtain a unique Memo ID for appointment requests. According to a notification dated June 29 on the Commission's website, the deadline for submitting memoranda was extended until June 15.

The Central Government announced the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission in January 2025, officially constituting it on November 3, 2025. The Commission has been allotted 18 months to present its recommendations.