Summary of this article
DA rose from 46% to 60%
NC-JCM proposes a fitment factor of 3.833
Minimum basic pay of Rs 69,000 remains a proposal
The rising Dearness Allowance (DA) has intensified the demands from central government employee unions for a higher fitment factor under the 8th pay commission. With inflation affecting households, employees, and pensioners are seeking a revised salary structure. One that would better reflect the increasing cost of living.
According to a report by Livemint, the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers (CCGEW), the DA increased from 46 per cent in July 2023 to 60 per cent in January 2026. The rise highlights the pressure on employees' purchasing power and has become a key argument in favour of salary revision.
What Is a Fitment Factor?
The fitment factor is essentially a multiplier used to calculate the basic pay under which the new pay commissions are revised. It determines how much an employee’s basic salary increases. The pensions also increase by the same multiplier.
The fitment factor determines the take-home pay, pension amounts, and the overall financial benefit for employees and retirees alike.
The National Council-Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) staff side has proposed a fitment factor of 3.833, along with a minimum basic pay of Rs 69,000. Bharat Pensioners Samaj has also sought a factor of 3.83, while the Ministerial Staff Association, Survey of India, has proposed a factor of 3.61.
The proposals and demands reflect a broader demand for salary revision that fits the present-day requirements.
Rising DA and the Need for Revision
The DA revisions show us the changing cost of living environment. According to the figures stated by the bodies, DA rose from 46 per cent in July 2023 to 50 per cent in January 2024, to 53 per cent in July 2024 and gradually to 60 per cent in January 2026. Employee bodies and unions argue that such increases should be considered while determining the next pay structure. They believe a higher fitment factor could provide a stronger basic salary base and improve the financial position of the employees serving as well as the retirees.
Aside from the fitment factor, unions are also seeking changes to the existing DA and Dearness Relief (DR) mechanisms.
For central government employees and pensioners, the outcome will depend on the Commission’s recommendations and the Central Government’s final approval.
