Outlook Business Desk
Bharatiya Pratiraksha Mazdoor Sangh (BPMS) approached the 8th Pay Commission with a detailed memorandum, seeking changes in pay structure, allowances and payment systems to overhaul how government salaries are fixed and delivered.
The union’s central proposal calls for increasing the minimum monthly salary to ₹72,000, stating that this level reflects current economic conditions while balancing fiscal discipline and covering essential living needs of entry-level government employees.
BPMS suggested linking minimum wages with per capita income growth, stating that this method would make salary revisions more transparent and structured while ensuring that employee earnings move in line with the country’s overall economic progress.
The union backed its demand with Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation data, showing per capita net national income rising from ₹1,03,219 in 2016–17 to ₹1,92,774 in 2024–25, an increase of 86.76%.
The memorandum proposes a fitment factor of 4 against the current structure linked to ₹18,000 base pay, aiming to factor in inflation, dearness allowance adjustments and income growth while keeping salary levels consistent across categories.
BPMS has sought an increase in the annual increment rate from 3% to 6%, stating that while dearness allowance addresses inflation, higher increments remain essential to support real income growth amid rising living costs.
The union also recommended increasing the family unit in pay calculations from three to five members, ensuring salary structures better reflect financial responsibilities employees carry for parents along with spouses and children.
The Government of India announced the 8th Pay Commission on 17 January 2025 as a temporary body to review salaries, pensions and allowances, following the standard practice of setting up such panels every 10 years.
Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai heads the commission, which has 18 months to submit its report. Menwhile, Memorandums must be submitted by April 30, 2026, after which the panel will review proposals before finalising its recommendations.