New Delhi, May 10 -- The 8th central pay commission (CPC) has set into motion discussions ahead of its recommendations for allowances, pay hikes, salary structure i.e. dearness allowance and fitment factor. This is part of the panel's updates to the compensation of central government employees and pensioners, including railways and defence staff.

Constituted every 10 years by the Centre and announced last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is expected to make big decisions this year. As part of this consultation process, the panel held meetings in Delhi in April and May, and has planned meetings with employee representatives in Telangana, Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir in May and June.

The first visit will be from 18-19 May to Hyderab...