“If they increase the fitment
factor to 2.67, then the minimum wage would be Rs 20,000. Although, we have
demanded Rs 26,000 as the minimum salary, we are not rigid on it.
New
Delhi, May 7: As per the modifications in 7th Pay Commission approved
by Union Cabinet for Defence personnel, the salaries of Lt Colonels and
Brigadiers could be revised using the fitment factor between 2.57 to
2.67. The decision came after the unions had complained over the index
of rationalisation, recommended by the Justice (retd) AK Mathur-led 7th
pay panel.
The changes approved by Centre for Defence personnel creates speculation
whether the fitment factor would also be revised for other central
government employees as well. The National Joint Council of Action
(NJCA), which is leading the 7CPC negotiation on behalf of employees,
have demanded the government to increase the fitment factor from 2.57 to
3.86.
On being asked by India.com, whether Centre could increase the fitment
factor for central government employees akin to the manner in which it
raised the index of rationalisation for a section of defence personnel,
NJCA chief Shiv Gopal Mishra said, “If they increase the fitment factor
to 2.67, then the minimum wage would be Rs 20,000. Although, we have
demanded Rs 26,000 as the minimum salary, we are not rigid on it. The
matter is negotiable.”
The minimum salary, following the implementation of 7th Pay Commission
in July 2016, was increased to Rs 18,000 from Rs 7,000. However, the
unions were unimpressed, demanding Rs 26,000 as the minimum salary,
considering the impact of inflation.
According to a top union official, who spoke on condition of anonymity,
the government would increase only the ‘minimum salary’ using a fitment
factor in the range of 2.67 to 3.16, depending upon the pay band. The
fitment factor is unlikely to be revised for wages of all central
government employees. - India.com
