DA Announcement Delay: Central Govt Employees, Pensioners Frustrated, Demands Immediate Action From FM Sitharaman

Millions of central government employees and pensioners are facing frustration over the delay in announcing the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR). The Confederation of Central Government

Employees & Workers has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging immediate intervention before the festive season to ensure timely payments.Employees and Pensioners ConcernedThe Confederation highlighted that the DA/DR installment, effective from July 1, 2025, has yet to be declared. Historically, the government announces the second-half DA revision in the last week of September, with arrears paid in the first week of October. The delay, the letter says, has caused “severe discontent” among employees and pensioners.How and When DA/DR Is AnnouncedDA is revised twice a year:

• First half (January-June): Announced in March
• Second half (July-December): Announced in September/October

Typically, employees receive two to three months’ arrears along with the revised salary or pension. With the month-end approaching, many are anxious to receive the pending DA along with their September salaries.How DA Is CalculatedThe DA is linked to inflation using the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW). The formula is:DA (%)= 261.42Average CPI-IW for last 12 months– 261.42/ 261.42 ×100 The CPI-IW, released by the Labour Bureau, tracks inflation and ensures employees’ and pensioners’ real income is maintained. The base year for current calculations is 2016.Festive Season BonusesWith Durga Puja and other festivals approaching, the Confederation has also requested announcements on Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) and ad hoc bonuses. The union emphasized that timely orders are essential for employees and pensioners to receive relief before the festive season.Delay in the 8th Pay CommissionMeanwhile, employees await the formal notification and formation of the 8th Pay Commission, which has been slower than previous cycles. The July-December 2025 DA revision will be the last under the 7th Pay Commission, which is expected to end its term on December 31, 2025.