8th Pay Commission: 7% increment could add Rs 28.89 lakh for Level 8 staff

Employee unions are urging the 8th Pay Commission to raise the annual increment rate from 3% to as high as 7%, arguing the current rate is insufficient against rising living costs. A higher rate could significantly boost central government employees' basic salaries over a decade. The National Council of JCM, defence and postal federations have proposed a 6% increment, while the New Pension Scheme federation seeks 7%. For a Level 8 employee with a revised basic pay of Rs 1,02,340, a 7% rate would yield approximately Rs 28.89 lakh more over 10 years than the current 3% rate. These figures are estimates based on a 2.15 fitment factor. The final increment rate and salary structure will only be confirmed after the government officially notifies the 8th Pay Commission's report.