Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Pensioners Seek Rs 45,000 Minimum Pension, 3.83 Fitment Factor
Retired government workers in India get money every month called a pension.
This money helps them buy food, medicine, and other things they need.
A special committee called the 8th Pay Commission decides how much money these workers should receive.
Some retired workers got together and made a list of things they want.
They asked for a minimum pension of Rs 45,000 every month, which is much more than the Rs 9,000 they get now.
They also asked for a special number called a fitment factor so their basic pay can be increased.
They want more help with medical costs as they grow older, starting at age 65 instead of 80.
They even asked to bring back an old pension plan that gives a fixed amount of money each month.
The committee is still listening to everyone's ideas and will make its decision within 18 months.
In the end, the government will decide which of these requests to approve.
Bharat Pensioner's Samaj has proposed a minimum basic pay of Rs 69,000, a fitment factor of 3.83 and a minimum pension of Rs 45,000 for central government employees and pensioners.
The demands are part of a memorandum to the 8th Central Pay Commission covering pension parity, family pension, medical benefits, commutation and other retiree issues.
BPS wants additional age-linked pension to start at 65 years instead of 80, with pension rising from 70% to 100% of last pay drawn by age 90.
Other demands include a Rs 5,000 monthly Fixed Medical Allowance, restoring commuted pension after 11 years instead of 15, and revival of the Old Pension Scheme.
The 8th CPC, headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, was constituted on November 3, 2025, and must submit recommendations within 18 months, into 2027.
- Who
- Bharat Pensioner's Samaj and other central government pensioner organisations, and the 8th Central Pay Commission headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
- What
- Demands for a Rs 45,000 minimum pension, a 3.83 fitment factor, Rs 69,000 minimum basic pay and broader retirement benefit reforms.
- When
- Consultations ongoing through 2026; the Commission was constituted on November 3, 2025, with recommendations due within 18 months.
- Where
- India, with Commission interactions scheduled in Delhi, Chennai and Puducherry.
- Why
- To help pensions keep pace with the rising cost of living, healthcare expenses and the financial responsibilities of ageing pensioners.
Pensioners and Employee Organisations
Government Fiscal Prudence Considerations
Fitment Factor
Pensioners and Employee Organisations
Pensioner bodies such as Bharat Pensioner's Samaj demand a 3.83 fitment factor (NC-JCM has sought 3.833) to substantially raise basic pay and pensions for central government employees.
Government Fiscal Prudence Considerations
The Commission's terms of reference require it to weigh demands against the country's economic condition and fiscal prudence; the 7th CPC's 2.57 factor included dearness allowance neutralisation, so actual increases were much lower than a simple multiplication suggests.
Old Pension Scheme Restoration
Pensioners and Employee Organisations
BPS wants the Old Pension Scheme restored because retirement security should provide a predictable, assured income rather than exposing employees to market-related uncertainty.
Government Fiscal Prudence Considerations
The Commission's terms of reference explicitly require it to consider the unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes and the likely impact on state finances.
- Minimum pension demanded
- Rs 45,000 per month
- Fitment factor demanded
- 3.83 (NC-JCM has sought 3.833)
- Minimum basic pay demanded
- Rs 69,000
- Current minimum pension
- Rs 9,000 per month
- 7th CPC fitment factor
- 2.57
- Commission head
- Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
- Commission constituted
- November 3, 2025
- Recommendation deadline
- Within 18 months, into 2027