Pensioners and Central Government employees in India are eagerly awaiting the decision of the Government of India regarding payment of their due arrears for Dearness Relief (DR) and Defense Allowance (DA).

These arrears, held for 18 months during the Covid-19 pandemic, represent a significant financial sum that can go up to Rs 2 lakh for some employees. More than 1 crore workers and pensioners who have been waiting for years for this decision will get much needed financial stability if the move is approved.

18 months arrears

The government has decided to hold DA and doctor arrears from January 2020 to June 2021 due to the financial burden due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, economic challenges, along with economic challenges, forced the government to freeze these payments.

However, many employees and pensioners who depended on the change to manage rising costs faced financial problems as a result of the decision. Employee unions have recently requested the government to release an 18-month hold payment.

What is Defense Allowance (DA)?

  • Dearness allowance is an important component of the salary given to government workers and pensioners to help them cope with inflation.
  • The DA is updated twice a year, usually in January and July, based on cost of living and inflation rates.
  • It is an important part of an employee’s wages as it is determined as a percentage of the base salary.
  • For pensioners, Defense Relief (DR) also aims to maintain the standard of living of employees amid rising cost of living.

What benefits can employees and pensioners expect?

If the government approves payment of 18 months of arrears, the financial benefits can be significant, varying according to salary level. The arrears of Level-1 employees may vary between Rs.11,880 and Rs.37,554.

Higher-level employees, such as those at level 13, can receive between $1,23,100 and $2,15,900, while those at level 14 can expect up to $2,18,200. Apart from helping families who are grappling with rising costs, the 18-month arrears payment will boost the morale of workers and retirees who are awaiting justice.

Why is this decision important?

Apart from providing compensation, DA and DR arrears of 18 months are being released to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by central employees and pensioners during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This overdue payment can provide critical support to many families who have faced extreme financial challenges during the pandemic. Moreover, the payment of 18 months of DA and DR arrears will ensure that workers feel a sense of recognition and trust restored between the government and its employees.

What is the current status of arrears for 18 months?

  • Although the demand to release the 18-month arrears is increasing, the government has not yet made any official announcement.
  • Led by officials like Shiv Gopal Mishra, the employee unions are still negotiating with the management to find a solution.
  • While the government says the hold was necessary during the pandemic, employees claim the arrears are a fair entitlement that cannot be ignored.
  • Employees and retirees continue to hope that the government will take a good decision soon when the Indian economy recovers.

General Questionnaire

Why DA and Doctor arrears were kept for 18 months?

The DA arrears of 18 months were held due to the financial burden caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

How much arrears can level-1 employees expect if approved?

If approved, Level-1 employees can receive arrears ranging from $11,880 to $37,554.

What is the current status of DA arrears for 18 months?

The government is yet to announce a decision, but employee unions continue to petition for the release of 18 months of DA arrears.



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