DA Arrears Update: Long -standing demand of central employees again in discussion, know what is the latest situation

The dearness allowance (DA) for central employees and pensioners is increased twice a year – January and July to balance the influence of inflation. But during the Covid-19 epidemic, the government stopped the DA hike in 2020 for 18 months. Now once again the demand for DA arrears has intensified, although no clear indication has been given by the government yet.

What is DA arrears controversy?

• The government stopped the DA of three installments due to the Covid-19 crisis in the year 2020-from January 2020 to June 2021, a total of 18 months DA arrears pending.

• Employees and pensioners hoped that this amount would be given in lump sum or installments, but it has not been possible till now.

What are employees organization asking for?

1. 18 months stalled DA arrears should be given to employees and pensioners.

2. The formation of the 8th Pay Commission should be accelerated and the chairman and members should be appointed as soon as possible.

3. The old pension scheme (NPS) should be abolished and the old pension scheme (OPS) should be restored.

4. The system of recovering pension cuts should be implemented in 12-15 years.

5. 5% limit of compassionate appointments should be removed and qualified applicants should be given jobs.

6. Empty posts should be filled and outsourcing and privatization should be banned.

What is the attitude of the government?

• The government says that it is not financially possible to give arrears of dearness allowance.

• This will put immense pressure on the government budget, which will be risky given the current economic situation.

• The government has so far made it clear on the subject that arrears will not be given.

Confederation opposition and proposal

• The ‘Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers’, which represent the central government employees, has demanded the government to reconsider it.

• In a circular issued in March 2025, the organization raised issues related to DA Arrear and other employees.

• He says that this is the right of the employees, which the government cannot ignore.

What is the path ahead?

The issue of DA Arrear has now become a question of employee welfare and government dialogue. There is a need for dialogue and agreement between the government and the employee organizations to find a practical and balanced solution.

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