8th Pay Commission Update: The Federation of National Postal Organisations (FNPO) has put forward a sweeping set of demands to the 8th Pay Commission, seeking a major overhaul of salaries, allowances, and service conditions for postal employees. The proposals were submitted in a memorandum dated April 20, 2026, just days before the Commission’s scheduled consultations with unions and associations in New Delhi between April 28 and 30.
The memorandum spans multiple cadres within the postal department, including postal assistants, sorting assistants, postmen, mail guards, administrative staff, and technical personnel, reflecting a broad-based push for structural reforms.
At the core of FNPO’s demands is a sharp increase in minimum pay. The organisation has proposed a starting basic salary of Rs 69,000 for entry-level employees such as multi-tasking staff (MTS), a significant jump from the current Rs 18,000 under the 7th Pay Commission.
For Level 5 roles like postmen and mail guards, the suggested basic pay has been pegged at Rs 1,12,000, compared to the existing Rs 25,500. Similar upward revisions have been outlined across other cadres, alongside proposals to merge certain pay levels to simplify the structure.
Fitment Factor And Annual Increment In Focus
FNPO has recommended a fitment factor of 3.83, substantially higher than the 2.57 applied under the previous pay commission. This multiplier plays a crucial role in determining revised salaries and pensions.
Additionally, the body has called for doubling the annual increment rate to 6 per cent, arguing that the current 3 per cent hike has failed to keep pace with rising living costs. According to FNPO, stagnant increments have not adequately addressed increases in housing, healthcare, and education expenses.
To tackle career stagnation, FNPO has proposed at least five assured promotions under the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme. It has also recommended significant revisions to house rent allowance (HRA), suggesting rates of up to 40 per cent depending on city classification, along with a mechanism to link HRA increases directly to dearness allowance revisions.
The memorandum further advocates for progressive welfare measures, especially for women employees. These include menstrual leave, enhanced child care leave (CCL), workplace crèche facilities, and more gender-sensitive postings.
Pension, Healthcare And Structural Reforms
On the financial front, FNPO has urged that pension liabilities be separated from departmental expenditure and instead charged to the Consolidated Fund of India. It argues that the current system distorts departmental finances and creates misleading deficit figures.
Healthcare reforms are another key focus area. FNPO has sought universal cashless treatment under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for employees and pensioners, along with expansion of CGHS facilities to more districts and annual revisions of treatment package rates.
The 8th Pay Commission has acknowledged receiving a large number of requests for interaction during its April 28-30 meetings in Delhi. “The Eighth Central Pay Commission has received large number of requests for interaction with the Commission for April 28-30, 2026 meetings at Delhi. The Commission is scheduling meeting with maximum number of unions/associations during these dates. However, due to compressed schedule, all requests for interaction during these dates may not be accepted.”
It further noted that additional consultations will be held across states and union territories in the coming months. “Interested stakeholders outside Delhi NCR may seek appointment for interaction with the Commission in their state/UT or a nearby state/UT at that stage,” states the official statement.
