Central Govt Employees and Pensioners not paid DA and DR since 18 months
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Central government employees and pensioners have once again raised the long-pending issue of 18 months of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears that were withheld during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Background: What Is the 18-Month DA/DR Arrears Issue?
During the COVID-19 crisis, from March 2020 to June 2021, the government had stopped the increase in DA and DR for central government employees and pensioners. This decision was taken due to financial stress caused by the pandemic. However, employees and pensioners continued working and supporting the nation even during lockdowns and now feel they are rightfully owed that money.
What Happened in the Recent JCM Meeting?
The 63rd meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery – JCM) was recently held at the Civil Services Officers Institute in Delhi. In this meeting, important issues concerning central government employees were discussed.
One of the key topics was the pending DA and DR arrears for 18 months.
- The staff side, represented by leaders like Shiv Gopal Mishra and M. Raghavaiah, strongly demanded that the government should release the withheld amount.
- They emphasized that employees had worked throughout the pandemic and deserved the pending payments as a matter of right and fairness.
What Was the Government’s Response?
The Finance Ministry repeated its earlier stand. It said the government’s financial condition had worsened due to COVID-19 and that welfare schemes had continued to burden the budget even after the 2020–21 financial year. Because of this, the ministry said that releasing the DA/DR arrears is not possible at this time.
This response has disappointed employees, who are still hoping for a positive decision in the future.
Other Key Issues Discussed in the Meeting
Apart from the DA/DR issue, two other major topics were discussed:
- 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC):
- The staff side demanded that the government immediately appoint the chairman and members of the new Pay Commission.
- They also requested that the Terms of Reference (ToR) be issued without delay.
- The government responded by saying that some appointments have been made and the rest are in process.
- Employees expect that the 8th CPC will be implemented from January 1, 2026, and if it’s delayed, arrears should be paid.
- Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme (CGEGIS):
- A new proposal for the insurance scheme has been prepared by the Department of Expenditure.
- This new proposal will soon be shared with employee representatives.
Employees Still Hopeful About DA Arrears
Despite the government’s refusal to pay the DA/DR arrears for now, employees’ organizations continue to demand it. They are urging the government to show a humanitarian approach and return the money that was earned through honest work during tough times.
The demand for DA arrears refund remains one of the most emotional and critical issues for lakhs of central government employees and pensioners across India.
