35.77 Lakh Employees Affected

Central government teachers have demanded equal pay, old pension, and other benefits from the 8th Pay Commission. The teachers are seeking a retirement age of 65, up from the current 60, as well as 14 casual leaves, 30 earned leaves, and 20 medical leaves per year.

The Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS) has suggested a minimum basic salary of ₹69,000 and a minimum pension of ₹45,000. The BPS has also suggested a fitment factor of 3.83 and a 5.2 weighted-unit family formula for calculating the fitment factor.

The 8th Pay Commission is in its consultation stage and has closed submission for suggestions and data from employee representative groups, unions, and other stakeholders as of July. The Commission has been given 18 months from its date of constitution to submit its recommendations, which will affect around 35.77 lakh civilian employees and 33.76 lakh pensioners and family pensioners.

## What's at Stake The Commission's recommendations will have a significant impact on the lives of central government employees and pensioners. The teachers' demands for equal pay, old pension, and other benefits are aimed at improving their overall compensation and retirement security. The BPS's suggestions for a minimum basic salary and pension are also intended to ensure that employees and pensioners receive a fair and decent standard of living.

The 8th Pay Commission is expected to announce its decisions by mid-2027. The Commission will examine the existing remuneration and service conditions of central government employees and make recommendations to the government. The BPS has urged the 8th Pay Commission to revise the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) every three months and examine their merger with basic pension once DR crosses 25%.

## Why it Matters The 8th Pay Commission's recommendations will affect not only central government employees and pensioners but also the overall economy. The Commission's decisions on pay, allowances, and pension will have a ripple effect on the cost of living, inflation, and economic growth. The teachers' demands for equal pay and old pension are also significant, as they will impact the education sector and the quality of education provided to students.

The 8th Pay Commission's consultation stage has involved meetings with stakeholders, including labour representatives, ministries, pension bodies, and employee unions. The Commission has sought inputs from these stakeholders to inform its recommendations and ensure that the needs and concerns of central government employees and pensioners are taken into account.

The outcome of the 8th Pay Commission's recommendations will be closely watched by central government employees, pensioners, and the general public. The Commission's decisions will have far-reaching consequences for the lives of millions of people and the overall economy.