Archive · 8 Jun 2025
DA Arrears Demand Persists Amidst 8th Pay Commission
Government employees had some extra money (DA/DR) paused for a year and a half.
Now, they want it back.
The government says it’s too expensive because of pandemic spending.
Employee groups are asking for the money, saying things cost more.
The 8th Pay Commission might help decide.
The government hasn't said what it will do yet.
Central government employees and pensioners are seeking the release of 18 months of frozen DA/DR arrears.
The arrears cover the period from January 2020 to June 2021.
The government maintains that releasing the arrears is financially unviable.
Employee unions reiterated their demand at the 63rd meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Council of the Joint Consultative Machinery (NC-JCM).
The 8th Central Pay Commission was approved in January 2025, and the Terms of Reference (ToR) are yet to be finalized.
- Who
- Central government employees and pensioners, the government, and employee unions.
- What
- Demand for release of 18 months of frozen Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears.
- When
- Arrears cover January 2020 to June 2021. The 8th Central Pay Commission was approved in January 2025.
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- The government froze DA/DR hikes from January 2020 to June 2021 due to fiscal constraints from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employee Unions
Government
Release of Arrears
Employee Unions
Demand the release of the arrears, citing inflation, rising costs, and financial fairness.
Government
Maintains that releasing the arrears is financially unviable due to fiscal constraints from the pandemic and welfare spending.
- Arrears Period
- January 2020 - June 2021
- Affected Groups
- Central Government Employees and Pensioners
- 8th Pay Commission Approved
- January 2025
- Pay Commission Rollout
- January 1, 2026 (expected)
- Reason for Freeze
- Fiscal constraints during COVID-19
- Meeting Where Demand was Raised
- 63rd meeting of NC-JCM, April 23, 2025