New Delhi, July 2 -- The 8th pay commission is undertaking meetings and discussions with unions and representative groups ahead of making its recommendations that will revise pay, fitment factor, dearness allowance (DR) and benefits central government employees and pensioners.

Around 1 crore beneficiaries - comprising nearly 50 lakh employees and around 65 lakh pensioners, including defence and railway personnel - are awaiting the panel's announcement likely next year.

A number of employee and pensioner groups and stakeholders have expressed demand for higher fitment factor, ranging from 1.83 to 3.83. At this time, the 8th CPC has not made its official recommendations yet, and the Centre will also have to approve the same before it is i...