The Central Government has, for the first time, clarified its position on the much-debated fitment factor under the 8th Central Pay Commission. Responding to a question in Parliament, the government ssaid that the Commission functions independently and is not required to keep the Centre informed about its internal discussions, consultations, or the recommendations currently under consideration.
The clarification came in a written reply by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in the Rajya Sabha, providing fresh insight into how the Commission is carrying out its work amid growing demands from central government employee unions for a higher fitment factor and revised salary structure.
Replying to a question in the Upper House, Pankaj Chaudhary referred to the notification issued on November 3, 2025, that established the 8th Central Pay Commission and laid down its terms of reference.
He clarified that “the resolution dated November 3, 2025, states that the 8th Central Pay Commission will devise its own procedure.”
Government Has No Information On Internal Deliberations
Rajya Sabha MP Javed Ali Khan sought details on whether employee unions had requested an increase in the ‘family unit’ size used for calculating the fitment factor, from three members to five members by including employees’ parents. He also asked whether the Commission had held consultations with employee organisations and how the government had responded to such demands.
In response, the Finance Ministry said the Centre is not privy to the Commission’s ongoing work.
The Minister stated that “the terms of reference of the Commission do not contain a provision requiring the Commission to keep the government updated on its progress, the nature of recommendations under consideration, or the consultation process during its deliberations.”
As a result, the government said it does not have information about the number of meetings conducted by the Commission, the employee unions consulted so far, or whether proposals related to the family unit or fitment factor have been discussed.
Why The Fitment Factor Matters
The fitment factor is one of the most significant components of every Central Pay Commission as it determines the revision in the basic pay of central government employees. The multiplier also influences pension calculations and several retirement-related benefits.
Since the announcement of the 8th Pay Commission, employee organisations have consistently pushed for a higher fitment factor than the one recommended by the 7th Pay Commission. While several unions have demanded a fitment factor of 3.68, others have proposed a range between 3.0 and 3.5.
In addition, some employee bodies have urged the Commission to consider a five-member family unit instead of the existing three-member benchmark while calculating the minimum wage and fitment factor. According to these organisations, rising household expenses and changing family responsibilities justify a revision in the existing methodology.
