DA Arrear: The increase in dearness allowance (DA) has emerged as a significant concern for employees of the central government. Recently, the issue of DA arrears has also gained prominence. During the Covid pandemic, the government suspended three installments of the dearness allowance from January 2020 to June 2021, and employees are now advocating for the prompt disbursement of these payments. However, the government has consistently rejected this request, and the situation is once again becoming contentious.
Intention to escalate protests
The Confederation of Central Government Employees & Workers has declared its intention to escalate protests regarding the outstanding DA installments. Additionally, employees are calling for the swift establishment of the 8th Pay Commission and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
In a circular dated March 7, 2025, the Central Employees Union urged the government to address several longstanding demands, including the payment of DA arrears. The organization asserts that the government’s negligence has deprived employees of their rightful entitlements.
Dearness allowance is revised biannually in January and July
During the National Executive Meeting of the Employees Union on February 8, 2025, it was resolved to hold gate meetings and general body meetings nationwide on March 10 and 11 to mobilize employees for the movement. The union emphasizes the necessity of uniting employees against government policies to effectively advocate for their rights. Typically, the dearness allowance is revised biannually in January and July.
However, in 2020, the government halted the DA increase for 18 months due to the pandemic, resulting in three pending installments. Employee unions are now insisting that the government release these overdue DA payments, asserting that it is their entitlement. Nevertheless, the government has repeatedly stated that the payment of DA arrears is not feasible.