As one relief measure, the government has decided to pay dearness allowance for employees and pensions of central and state government jobs. It is expected that a big decision on payment of DA arrears will come in April 2025, which means that employees can expect to get a large chuck of DA arrears to improve their lives.
What Is The Matter Of DA arrears?
The employees have, from time to time, been sanctioned an increase in dearness allowance; however, over the last few years, employees have not been able to receive the full DA. The government had suspended the DA increment at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, after which the payment of this arrear is due. Therefore the government is now attending to the payment of this amount in a staggered manner.
What Will Be Received In April 2025?
Sources from the government say that DA arrears will be very likely to be paid to employees in April 2025. It is likely that out of the 18 months of DA arrears, 12 months will be paid. It is likely that this will also be given as a lump sum in installments. Some state governments are also mulling over paying the dues to their employees in a similar fashion.
How Much Amount Can Be Expected?
The current DA applicability is 50%; thus, the arrears will be also paid at this rate. Reportedly the estimate would be that the central government employees may get DA arrears of anywhere between 1-2 lakh, which will also benefit pensioners. However, this will determine the final amount on the salary of the staff and the amount of time the arrears went back.
What Is The Policy Of Government?
It has been made known that there might be a special fund set up for the payment of the DA arrears; and this was also included in the allocation of the budget under the Finance Ministry. Sources say the government wants to implement this scheme within April 2025. Certain departments have already begun disbursing the dues.
What Should The Employees Do?
The employees will contact their departments for any information regarding their dues; in particular, some areas will require an automatic payment of the dues, while others will require the applicant to apply. Pensioners may also need to update their banks.
When Is The Final Decision Expected?
The Finance Ministry is aiming to take a final decision on this case by March 2025, immediately after which the employees’ arrears should be credited to their accounts. Employees’ unions have urged the government to expedite settlement of this matter.
Will It Be enough?
Although this step will be a relief for employees, many organizations believe that the full arrears should be given at once. Employees are in dire need of the complete amount due to the current period of inflation. The government has since indicated that remaining arrears might be cleared in time to come.
Conclusion
Payment of DA arrears will prove beneficial for millions of employees and pensioners during the month of April 2025. Government should, however, maintain transparency in the process and ensure that the indemnification is done timely for all eligible beneficiaries. Such employees must keep a regular touch with the concerned department and wait patiently for any official announcement regarding the release of such dues.
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