DA: The wait for DA (Dearness Allowance) for central government employees and pensioners is growing longer. Three months into the year,the government has yet to make a decision on the matter. According to the current pattern,a decision on DA would typically be made around Holi,but the continued delay has led to various concerns among central government employees.
There is a fear that the government may once again freeze the DA increase,as during the COVID-19 pandemic. However,the government has given no indication of this,nor has any decision been made. In any case,let’s examine the DA situation during the COVID-19 pandemic and when a hike is expected.
What happened during the Corona period?
In fact,during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-21),the government froze DA for one and a half years,citing the economic situation. This DA was frozen in three installments (January 2020,July 2020,and January 2021) for a total of 18 months. This means that no changes were made to the DA of central government employees for 18 months. Employee unions repeatedly demanded this,but the government refused,citing financial reasons.
Why did you feel scared once again?
The global situation has worsened due to the war between Iran and Israel-USA. This is likely to pose challenges to the Indian economy as well. Meanwhile,the lack of a decision on DA even after three months has increased the fear of central employees. However,no such indications have been given by the government.
It should be noted that this will be the first time during the 8th Pay Commission era that the government will take a decision on DA. In fact,the tenure of the 7th Pay Commission ended on December 31,2025. Therefore,the main reason for the delay is said to be the end of the 7th Pay Commission and the beginning of the 8th Pay Commission. Central government employees are awaiting their DA for the first half of 2026,i.e.,the period from January to June. Currently,central government employees receive 58% DA. A DA increase of approximately 2 to 3% is expected from January 2026. This will increase the DA for central government employees to 60 or 61%.
Usually,this announcement is made in March (around Holi),but this time the Cabinet did not take any decision in March. Now,the announcement is expected in April 2026. If the DA is announced in April,employees will also receive arrears for January,February,and March. These will be credited with the April salary.