8th Pay Commission: The process of the 8th Pay Commission is gradually moving forward, with key meetings scheduled to take place in Delhi. At the same time, a widely discussed figure of ₹72,000 as a possible minimum salary has created confusion among central government employees.
8th Pay Commission: Meetings Scheduled in Delhi From April 28
In an official notice dated April 24, 2026, the Commission confirmed that it has received numerous requests from employee unions and associations to participate in meetings between April 28 and April 30 in Delhi. However, due to limited time, not all requests can be accommodated during these dates. The Commission has clarified that additional meetings will be organised not only in Delhi but also across various states and Union Territories in the coming months.
It has also advised stakeholders outside the Delhi-NCR region to wait for future schedules when the Commission visits their respective areas. Earlier, a team from the Commission had planned a visit to Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on April 24 as part of its outreach efforts.
8th Pay Commission: Is ₹72,000 Minimum Salary Official?
The figure of ₹72,000 as the expected minimum salary has been widely circulated in media reports and online discussions. However, this number is not an official proposal. In reality, the ₹72,000 estimate is based on different salary calculations linked to possible fitment factor scenarios. Analysts and reports have been exploring these figures as potential outcomes, which has led to widespread speculation. There is no record to suggest that ₹72,000 has been formally submitted as a demand to the Commission.
8th Pay Commission: What Is the Actual Salary Demand?
The official proposal has come from the National Council Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), Staff Side, which represents central government employees. According to its memorandum, the body has demanded a minimum basic pay of ₹69,000 along with a fitment factor of 3.83. This demand has been highlighted in several reports as part of the ongoing consultation process.
8th Pay Commission: What Happens Next in the Pay Commission Process?
At present, the 8th Pay Commission is in its consultation stage. During this phase, it gathers suggestions and inputs from employee groups and other stakeholders. Final decisions regarding salaries, allowances, and fitment factors will be made only after detailed discussions and thorough evaluation.
For now, central government employees should avoid relying on unverified figures like ₹72,000. The final recommendations are yet to be announced, and clarity will emerge only after the Commission completes its consultation process.
