8th Pay Commission consultations to start in Delhi from April 28

The process for the 8th Pay Commission is gradually moving forward, with the first round of key consultations scheduled to take place in New Delhi. These meetings are expected to mark the beginning of a broader engagement exercise with employee unions and stakeholders across the country.

At the same time, confusion has emerged among central government employees due to widespread discussions around a Rs 72,000 minimum salary figure, which experts say is not officially proposed.

Meetings to Begin in Delhi from April 28

Schedule and participation

According to a notice dated April 24, 2026, the 8th Pay Commission has received a significant number of requests from employee unions and associations seeking meetings between April 28 and April 30 in Delhi.

Limited slots and future plans

Due to time constraints, not all requests can be accommodated during this initial round. However, the Commission has assured that additional meetings will be conducted:

• In Delhi
• Across different states and Union Territories

Outreach beyond Delhi

Stakeholders located outside the Delhi-NCR region have been advised to wait for future schedules when the Commission visits their respective states or nearby areas.

Ongoing field visits

Earlier, a team of the Commission was scheduled to visit Dehradun on April 24, indicating that consultations are being planned beyond the national capital.

Rs 72,000 Salary Figure Sparks Confusion

Viral claims vs reality

In recent weeks, a figure of Rs 72,000 as the expected minimum salary has gained traction online and in media discussions, leading to speculation among employees.

Not an official demand

However, available information suggests that this figure is not part of any formal submission to the Commission. Instead, it appears to be based on projections and estimates derived from different fitment factor scenarios.

Role of fitment factor

The fitment factor is a key multiplier used to calculate revised salaries under Pay Commission recommendations. Analysts often use different assumptions to estimate possible outcomes, which may have contributed to the circulation of the Rs 72,000 figure.

What is the Actual Demand?

Proposal by employee representatives

The official proposal has been submitted by the National Council–Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM), Staff Side, which represents central government employees.

Key demands

According to its memorandum:

• Minimum basic pay of Rs 69,000
• Fitment factor of 3.83

These demands have been reported in several mainstream publications as part of the ongoing consultation process.

What Happens Next?

Consultation phase underway

At present, the 8th Pay Commission is in its initial consultation stage. During this phase, it collects inputs from:

• Employee unions
• Government departments
• Other stakeholders

Detailed review process

The Commission will analyze these inputs before finalizing its recommendations on:

• Salaries
• Allowances
• Fitment factors

Timeline for recommendations

Final recommendations are expected only after extensive discussions and internal reviews, meaning that any immediate conclusions on salary revisions would be premature.

What Should Employees Expect?

Avoid speculation

Employees are advised not to rely on unofficial figures circulating on social media or reports.

Wait for official updates

Accurate information will only be available once the Commission releases formal recommendations.

Long-term impact

The 8th Pay Commission is expected to significantly influence:

• Salary structures
• Pension benefits
• Overall compensation framework for central government employees

Conclusion

The commencement of 8th Pay Commission meetings in Delhi marks an important step in the salary revision process for central government employees. While discussions around figures like Rs 72,000 have created uncertainty, it is clear that these are not official proposals.

With the Commission currently in the consultation phase, the focus remains on gathering inputs and conducting detailed evaluations. As more meetings are planned across the country, stakeholders will have further opportunities to present their views.

For now, employees should remain patient and rely only on official announcements, as the final recommendations—expected after thorough deliberations—will ultimately determine the revised pay structure and benefits.