Fitment factor

Fitment benefit @2.57 Fitment factor has been recommended for uniform application to all employees & Pensioners arrived by dividing revised minimum pay by existing minimum salary.Minimum revised salary has been worked out on the principle of need base minimum wage following Dr Aykroyed formula of 50s which is out dated & smells of colonial mindset . The “Normative Family” is taken to consist of a spouse and two children below the age of 14 yrs. (Husband 1 unit, wife 0.8 unit and children (2) at 0.6 units each). Considering wife to be 0.80 units is nothing but gender bias. In the present scenario a wife too put in the same amount of physical work rather may be more as compared to husband. She needs more nutrients to keep herself fit to be a mother & needs more clothing. A lady whether she is a wife of a labourer or a Secretary to Govt. of India has a basic right to keep her reasonably presentable for which she needs some minimum add-ons. As such treating her to be less than a unit is gross injustice.

Similarly growing Children of less than 14 yrs need more of proteins, fats & carbohydrates, with sufficient exercise & field activities for healthy growth. Today they need much better & more clothing compared to 50s. Today Nation needs healthy & stout young citizens. It is against the national interest to restrict their need base minimum requirement to 0.6 units.

The basket of items taken does not take care of digital India’s minimum requirement i.e. a smart mobile phone & internet connection. The quantities of consumption & rates taken for the items in the basket are unrealistic compared to actual retail market rates.

In the light of above mentioned facts it is felt that minimum salary has been intentionally calculated to be lower to keep common fitment factor low. AIDTOA therefore, appeals that minimum revised salary be raised upwards to make it realistic.

According to 7th CPC recommendations, 2.57 fitment factor is for all employees and pensioners. But, in fact, 2.81 fitment has been given at Secretary Level by raising existing Salary of 80000/PM to 225000/ per month.

This is robbing Peter to pay Paul, is violation of CPC own recommendation and that of Article 14 of the Constitution of India.