Dearness Allowance – DA is a significant financial assistance for central employees and pensioners. During the Covid-19 epidemic, from January 2020 to June 2021, the 18-month DA arrear was stopped. This decision was taken by the government to reduce financial pressure. Now, this issue is being discussed again in 2025, and central employees are hoping that they will get this dues soon.
In this article, we will understand all the important information related to DA arrears such as its need, government stance, and demand of employees in detail.
What is DA arrear?
Dearness allowance (DA) is a financial benefit to government employees and pensioners, provided to balance the influence of inflation. It is revised twice every year – in January and July.
During the Covid-19 epidemic, the government stopped the DA growth for a period of 18 months (January 2020 to June 2021). During this period, three installments were not paid, causing the employees and pensioners to face financial difficulties.
Overview of DA Arrear
The table below has a summary of main points related to DA arrear:
| Speciality | Description |
| Duration | January 2020 to June 2021 |
| Total amount | ₹ 34,402.32 crore |
| Beneficiary | Central employee and pensioner |
| Current DA rate | 53% |
| Reason for freezing | Financial pressure during Covid-19 epidemic |
| Government’s stance | Impossible payment |
Why DA arrears are required?
Payment of DA arrears is extremely important for central employees and pensioners. Following are some of the main reasons for this:
- Reducing influence of inflation: Dearness allowance helps in maintaining the purchasing power of employees.
- Economic stability: It relieves families who were struggling with economic crisis during epidemic.
- Breaking morale: Payment of arrears will be helpful in increasing the morale of employees and pensioners.
Government’s stance
The government has clarified that payment of 18 -month DA arrears is not possible. The Finance Ministry said that the decision was taken due to the financial crisis arising during the epidemic.
However, employees unions have pressurized the government regarding this. He argues that now that the country’s economic condition is getting better, this dues should be paid.
Employees demand
Employees unions have made the following demands from the government:
- Payment in three installments: Employees unions have suggested that the DA arrears be distributed in three installments so that there is no financial pressure on the government simultaneously.
- Celebrating the economic situation: The unions argued that the current economic condition of the country makes this payment possible.
- Justice Rights: He described it as the right of employees and pensioners.
What will be the effect of DA arrears?
If the government pays the 18 -month DA arrear, its effect will be the following:
- Financial Benefits:
- Level-1 employee: ₹ 11,880 to ₹ 37,554.
- Level-13 Employees: ₹ 1,23,100 to ₹ 2,15,900.
- Level-14 Employees: Up to ₹ 2,18,200.
- Increase in morale: This will increase the morale of employees and pensioners.
- Economic stability: This will provide relief to millions of families who were facing difficulties during epidemic.
Current status
Currently, the government has not taken any final decision on this issue. However, the employees union have been constantly raising the matter.
According to some media reports:
- The government is considering this issue.
- It is expected to be discussed in the budget session 2025.
conclusion
DA arrears remain an important issue for central employees and pensioners. Although the government has refused to release it, the employees union are constantly striving for it.
It will be interesting to see what steps the government takes on this issue in the upcoming budget session.
Rejuvenation
This article is written only for the purpose of providing information. The final decision on DA arrears will be taken by the Government of India. Readers are advised to pay attention to official announcements.
