8th Pay Commission big update: PGIMER nurses seek 3.25 fitment factor, level 10 pay, 5% annual hike
PGIMER nurses have demanded a 3.25 fitment factor, Level 10 entry pay and a 5% annual increment before the 8th Pay Commission in Chandigarh
Chandigarh: The debate over salaries, allowances and pension benefits has gained momentum as the 8th Central Pay Commission continues its consultations with employee organisations and unions across the country.
The Commission's three-day Chandigarh visit, held from September 16 to 18, gave various employee groups an opportunity to present their demands. The official 8th CPC website confirms that the Chandigarh consultations were held during these dates.
Among those who submitted their demands were representatives of the Nurses Welfare Association (NWA) and nursing staff associated with PGIMER. Their proposals include a higher fitment factor, an upgraded entry-level pay scale, better allowances and changes in pension benefits.
One of the main demands put forward by PGIMER nurses is a 3.25 fitment factor. The fitment factor under the 7th Pay Commission was 2.57. The nursing representatives have argued that rising expenses, including housing, healthcare and education costs, warrant a higher multiplier.
However, 3.25 is currently a demand and has not been approved by the 8th Pay Commission. The Commission is still in the consultation stage and has not announced a final fitment factor or salary revision formula.
Level 10 entry pay for nursing officers
The Nurses Welfare Association has also sought Pay Level 10 as the entry level for nursing officers. The demand has been linked to changes in nursing qualifications and the responsibilities handled by nursing professionals.
The association has also sought a separate night-duty allowance, along with risk and hardship-related benefits for nursing staff.
Higher allowances and insurance benefits
The demands presented by the nursing representatives cover several other areas. These include higher nursing, dress and special allowances.
Another proposal seeks the classification of Chandigarh as an A1 city for calculating House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Transport Allowance (TA).
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The restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) has also been included among the demands put before the Commission.
Demand to raise annual increment to 5%
PGIMER nurses have further sought an increase in the annual increment from the existing 3% to 5% of basic pay.
The association has argued that the current increment does not adequately reflect rising living costs and the increasing responsibilities of nursing staff, including round-the-clock patient care and other clinical duties.
Next 8th Pay Commission consultation in Bengaluru
The 8th Central Pay Commission is continuing its nationwide consultation exercise. Its next scheduled stakeholder interaction will take place in Bengaluru on October 7 and 8, 2026, according to an official Commission notice.
The Commission was constituted by the Government of India in November 2025 and is gathering views from employee organisations, unions and other stakeholders before finalising its recommendations.