New Delhi, July 22 -- The 8th pay commission is in the discussion phase before it releases its official recommendations on pay hikes, allowances, salary structure, and more. Constituted once a decade, this time, close to 1 crore beneficiaries - nearly 50 lakh central government employees and around to 65 lakh pensioners, including defence personnel and retirees - are set to benefit from the announcement.

These meetings are significant as suggestions made by these groups are expected to play an important role in shaping the commission's deliberations concerning remuneration and pension structures for the central government workforce. These groups collectively represent a large number of employees and pensioners, including defence and rail...