Central government employees and pensioners have received some relief. The 8th Pay Commission has extended the deadline to submit memorandums from April 30 to May 31.
This decision was taken after a request from the National Council (NC-JCM), giving employee groups more time to clearly present their demands.
Online Submission Now Mandatory
While the deadline has been extended, the submission process has become stricter.
Now, all memorandums must be submitted only through the official online portal of the Commission.
The Commission has clearly stated that:
Paper submissions will not be accepted
Hard copies and PDFs will be rejected
Emails will not be considered
Only authorized nodal officers from ministries, departments, and Union Territories can submit proposals, and that too in a fixed online format.
Why Was the Deadline Extended?
The extension came after a meeting between the National Council for Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) and Chairperson Ranjana Prakash Desai.
Employee groups said many organizations and pensioner associations were facing problems with the online submission system.
After discussions held in Delhi between April 28 and April 30, the Commission agreed to extend the deadline.
However, this delay could also push back the final decision on salary hikes, meaning employees may have to wait longer for increased pay.
Key Salary Demands by Employees
The biggest focus this time is on the fitment factor, which decides salary revisions.
Minimum Salary Demand: Employees have asked for a fitment factor of 3.83. If approved, the minimum salary could rise from ₹18,000 to ₹69,000.
Annual Increment: A 6% yearly salary increase has been proposed.
Promotion Benefits: Employees want at least ₹10,000 extra through two additional increments during promotions.
Gratuity: Demand for gratuity equal to one month’s salary has also been raised.
What Happens Next?
After May 31, the 8th Pay Commission will review all the suggestions submitted online.
The panel, led by Ranjana Prakash Desai, will study the demands carefully and hold further discussions with stakeholders.
The goal will be to balance government expenses with employee expectations.
Finally, the Commission will submit its report to the central government. Based on this, the Cabinet will take the final decision on salary hikes, allowances, and when the new pay structure will be implemented.
