8th Pay Commission pay hike: Why NC-JCM is demanding a minimum basic pay of Rs 69,000

The National Council of the Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM) drafting committee, representing central government employees and pensioners, has proposed that the minimum basic pay be increased from ₹18,000 under the 7th Pay Commission to ₹69,000 in the 8th Pay Commission.

This demand reflects a 3.83-times increase, leading to a proposed fitment factor of 3.833 for the 8th CPC, which is the multiplier used to revise salaries and pensions under a Pay Commission.

The recommendation is based on two key changes:
● Use of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR’s) 3,490 kcal requirement per person to estimate food costs
● Adoption of a five-member family unit, instead of the three considered in the 7th Pay Commission

To estimate minimum wages, employee unions calculate the monthly cost of a standard consumption basket, including protein sources, dairy, fruits, vegetables, spices, and other essential items.

The drafting committee uses prices from government stores across Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune and Bengaluru, and derives an average. Based on the calorie requirement, the cost is then calculated for a family of five.

Past trends suggest a moderation is possible. For the 7th Pay Commission, a fitment factor of 3.71 was proposed, but the government approved 2.57, setting the minimum pay at ₹18,000.

Experts say the government may partially accept or revise the current demand. The 8th Pay Commission has until May 2027 to submit its report, and implementation could take another 3–6 months, making a rollout likely in the second half of 2027.