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Expectations among central government employees and pensioners regarding the 8th Pay Commission are steadily rising. Amid this, the Bharat Pensioners Samaj has submitted several key suggestions to the commission, including a demand to raise the minimum basic salary from ₹18,000 to approximately ₹69,000. The organization has also proposed increasing the minimum pension from ₹9,000 to ₹45,000. Furthermore, demands have been made for changes regarding the fitment factor, family unit definitions, Dearness Allowance (DA), and healthcare services. However, these remain mere proposals at this stage, and the government has yet to make a final decision on them.

**Proposal for a ₹69,000 Salary**
The Bharat Pensioners Samaj has suggested raising the minimum basic salary before the 8th Pay Commission. According to the organization, the current minimum basic pay is ₹18,000, and it should be increased to around ₹69,000. This demand is based on a fitment factor formula of 3.83. Multiplying ₹18,000 by 3.83 (₹18,000 × 3.83 = ₹68,940) yields a figure of approximately ₹68,940. Based on this calculation, the proposal for a minimum basic salary of around ₹69,000 has been put forward. However, this does not mean that employees' salaries have already been raised to ₹69,000; it is simply a demand made by the organization.

**Demand to Raise Minimum Pension from ₹9,000 to ₹45,000**
The organization has also proposed a significant hike for pensioners. Currently, the minimum pension stands at ₹9,000. The Bharat Pensioners Samaj has demanded that this be increased to ₹45,000. Additionally, there is a proposal to alter the method used to determine pension amounts. The organization advocates for the pension to be fixed at a minimum of 67% of the employee's last drawn salary at the time of retirement. Additionally, it has been suggested that the family pension be set at a minimum of 50% of the last drawn salary.

**Demand for changes in the 'family unit' calculation**

The concept of a 'family unit' is used to account for an employee's family needs when determining salary. The organization argues that the current system does not accurately assess these needs. The *Bharat Pensioners Samaj* has proposed increasing the family unit size from 3 to 5.2. This proposal aims to incorporate the needs of children and elderly parents alongside the employee and their spouse. The organization contends that, in the current times, expenses related to children's education and parents' medical treatment constitute significant family responsibilities.

**Proposal to revise DA and DR every three months**

Proposals have also been made regarding Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR). Currently, DA and DR for central government employees and pensioners are typically revised twice a year. The organization seeks revisions every three months to provide quicker relief against the impact of inflation. Furthermore, there is a demand to merge DR with the basic pension once it exceeds 25%, which would increase the base amount for future pension calculations.

**Emphasis on healthcare services and medical allowances**
The proposal also includes demands for improved healthcare facilities for pensioners. It suggests providing cashless medical treatment for pensioners living in rural areas who are not covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Additionally, there is a demand to increase the fixed medical allowance to ₹5,000 per month. The proposal also addresses the resolution of pending pension and healthcare-related issues concerning BSNL pensioners.

**Government decision awaited**
Crucially, the minimum salary of ₹69,000 and the minimum pension of ₹45,000 have not yet been finalized. These are suggestions and demands submitted by the *Bharat Pensioners Samaj* to the 8th Pay Commission. The Commission will consider proposals from various employee and pensioner organizations. Subsequently, the economic impact and the cost to the government will be assessed, and the government will decide on the matter only after the final recommendation is made.

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