New Delhi: As we count down to January 1, 2026, the battle for a fair wage revision has officially begun. The gap between what the government is projecting and what employees are demanding has never been wider.
- Union Demand: 3.68x Fitment Factor (Minimum Wage ₹26,000).
- Govt Projection: 1.92x to 2.28x (Minimum Wage ~₹34,500).
- Impact: A difference of over ₹10,000 in monthly basic pay.
The JCM Stance: “1.92 is Unacceptable”
The Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM), which represents the voice of 48 lakh central government employees, has formally rejected the rumored 1.92 fitment factor. In a recent memorandum submitted to the Ministry of Finance, the unions argued that a sub-2.0 factor fails to account for the post-COVID inflation surge.
The Math: Why 3.68?
The number 3.68 isn’t random. It is derived from the Dr. Wallace Aykroyd Formula, which mandates that the minimum wage must cover:
- Food: 2,700 calories per day per person.
- Clothing: 66 meters per year.
- Housing: Standard rent in Tier-1 cities.
“If we price these components at 2025 rates, the minimum expenditure comes to ₹26,000. To jump from the current ₹7,000 base (6th CPC level) to ₹26,000, we need a multiple of 3.68,” stated a senior union leader.
Scenario Analysis: Your Wallet
Let’s look at the raw numbers. How much does this “Factor War” actually affect your bank account?
| Scenario | Fitment Factor | New Basic Pay (If current is ₹18,000) |
|---|---|---|
| Govt (Conservative) | 1.92 | ₹34,560 |
| Union (Aggressive) | 3.68 | ₹66,240 |
| Difference | – | ₹31,680 per month |
💡 Check Your Own Salary: Don’t guess. Use our Fitment Factor Calculator to enter your exact Basic Pay and see the difference.
Conclusion & Community Poll
The government is expected to form the commission officially by late 2025, but the pressure is already mounting. While 3.68 seems optimistic, a middle ground of 2.57 (same as 7th CPC) remains the most likely outcome.
👇 Discussion: Do you think the Government will agree to the 3.68 demands, or will they stick to 1.92? Let us know in the comments below!