After a long wait for 18 months whenever the term Dearness Allowance (DA) crosses the mind of a central government employee, a glimmer of hope somehow always appears. When approved, these will give a huge bolster to the finances of lakh of employees who had been awaiting dues since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why Are The DA Arrears Stuck?
These DA arrears were delayed because of the COVID-19 aftermath, which rendered any rise in the DA between January 2020 and June 2021 frozen against the will of millions of central government employees and pensioners. DA increases resumed from July 2021, but payments for the 18 months of DA that had been stalled (January 2020-June 2021) were still not made. It had become an employee’s demand; all the other employee unions pressing the government to clear these dues from time to time.
How Much DA Arrears Are The Employees Entitled To?
The individual pay grade newspaper and basic salary DA arrears are hinged on. Here is a ballpark figure that employees could be getting if any arrears were sanctioned:
- Lower Grade Employees: ₹11,000 to ₹37,000
- Mid-Level Employees: ₹38,000 to ₹1,08,000
- Senior Officers: ₹1,44,000 to ₹2,18,000
With inflation and rising cost of living, this money can benefit a lot to the employees.
What Is The Government’s Stand On DA Arrears?
There has been no official announcement on DA arrear payments, but it seems some discussion on the question is taking place. The National Council of JCM (Staff Side) has been continually taking the subject to the Central Government and pressing for the payment of arrears in either one or two installments.
Latest Update On DA Hike For Central Employees
Currently, central employees are getting 46% DA, and there is news that a 4% hike will happen soon, joining arms with the 44%, increasing their salary and pension amounts. This makes the scenario for arrangement on payment of DA arrears even more attractive.
Conclusion
If the government pays the DA for 18 months in arrears, it will mean money in the hands of the central government employees and pensioners for basic survival. By this time, the employees want final word news announcements, and in such a scenario where it gets approved, the payment may be disbursed in instalments or as one-time payment. There shall be further news updates on this crucial development.
Also Read: DA DR Zero: Big Setback For Central Employees, DA And DR Will Be Completely Zero