Archive · 28 Sep 2025
DA Arrears Unlikely for Central Government Employees
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government stopped giving extra money (Dearness Allowance or DA) to its workers and pensioners to save money.
Workers hoped to get this money back later, but it looks like they won't.
Employee groups and unions had been trying to get the money, but they recently stopped discussing it with the government.
The government had said they needed the money for important things like fighting the virus.
It now seems unlikely the employees will receive this money, and they are now focusing on other issues.
Central government employees and pensioners will likely not receive DA/DR arrears frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The DA/DR was frozen for 18 months (Jan 2020 - June 2021).
The government froze DA/DR to manage economic pressure during the pandemic.
Employee unions and organizations have withdrawn the issue of arrears.
Employees and unions are now focused on other matters like the 8th Pay Commission.
- Who
- Central government employees and pensioners
- What
- Likely no payment of withheld DA/DR arrears
- When
- The matter is considered closed
- Where
- Not applicable
- Why
- Due to the government's financial constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic and employee unions withdrawing the issue.
- Affected Group
- Central government employees and pensioners
- Issue
- Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears
- Period of DA Freeze
- 18 months (Jan 2020 - June 2021)
- Reason for Freeze
- COVID-19 pandemic and economic pressure
- Current Status
- Arrears unlikely to be paid
- Employee Unions' Position
- Issue withdrawn from discussions
Sources
8th Pay Commission to be implemented only by early 2028? Here’s what central govt employees, pensioners must know
8th Pay Commission: Why Implementation May Stretch to 2028 - What Govt Employees and Pensioners Must Know
8th Pay Commission to be implemented by 2028? Here’s how previous commissions were rolled out
