8th Pay Commission Debates Fitment Factor and Medical Allowance Proposals

The 8th Pay Commission process is progressing amid discussions on key issues like the fitment factor and Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA). Employee unions have expressed concerns that several demands, including clarity on the fitment factor and medical benefits, were not fully addressed in the Terms of Reference. A notable proposal suggests increasing the FMA from Rs 1,000 to Rs 20,000 monthly for employees in non-CGHS areas. Meanwhile, experts note that the fitment factor's headline figure may overstate actual salary increases due to the merger of dearness allowance into basic pay.