Sat Jan 18 04:30:00 UTC 2025: ## 8th Pay Commission to Boost Pensions for 1.2 Crore Central Government Employees
**New Delhi:** The Indian government’s approval of the 8th Pay Commission has brought welcome news to over 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners. The commission, expected to finalize its recommendations next year, will lead to significant salary and pension increases, particularly impacting those under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
The UPS, slated for implementation on April 1, 2025, aims to combine elements of the Old and New Pension Schemes. It guarantees a minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month for employees with at least 10 years of service and provides a family pension of 60% of the deceased pensioner’s amount. A guaranteed pension of 50% of the average basic pay of the final 12 months of service will also be provided for those with at least 25 years of service.
The 8th Pay Commission’s impact on the UPS is significant. Experts predict a fitment factor – a key multiplier used to calculate salaries and pensions – could range from 1.92 to 2.86. A factor of 2.86 would translate to a minimum pension increase from ₹9,000 to ₹25,740, a substantial 186% rise. This would also boost minimum basic salaries from ₹18,000 to ₹51,480. However, the actual fitment factor remains to be determined.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured seamless implementation of the commission’s recommendations before the 7th Pay Commission’s term concludes in 2026. The announcement comes ahead of the Union Budget 2025 and offers considerable relief to millions of families. The final details of pension increases will depend on the 8th Pay Commission’s recommendations and the final fitment factor.
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