DA/DR Arrear Latest Update 2025: A big good news has come for the central government employees and pensioners. The government is considering the long-running demand for arrears of 18 months of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR). The increase in DA/DR was put on hold from January 2020 to June 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now new updates have come out regarding the arrears of this period.
This issue concerns about 1 crore central employees and pensioners. The amount of DA/DR arrears is estimated to be around Rs 2 lakh per employee. Regarding this huge amount, employee organizations are continuously demanding that the government should pay it as soon as possible. Let us know what is the latest situation in this matter and when can this arrears be cleared.
What is DA/DR arrears and why was it stopped?
DA/DR arrears are the amounts that were not paid for 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its details are as follows:
| Description | Information |
| arrear period | January 2020 to June 2021 (18 months) |
| affected employees | About 1 crore central employees and pensioners |
| estimated amount | About Rs 2 lakh per employee |
| total estimated amount | approximately Rs 2 lakh crore |
| reason for stoppage | Economic crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic |
| Current DA Rate | 53% (from July 2024) |
During the pandemic, the government had put a stop to the increase in DA/DR to deal with the economic crisis. Now after the situation has improved, the employees are demanding this arrears.
Government’s stance on DA/DR arrears
The government has not yet made any official announcement on paying DA/DR arrears. According to the Finance Ministry:
- No proposal to pay arrears is under consideration
- This decision was taken to deal with the economic crisis during the pandemic.
- Government saved around Rs 34,000 crore by stopping DA/DR
However, employee organizations are continuously demanding this. He says that due to increase in inflation the financial burden on the employees has increased.
Latest update on DA/DR arrears
Recently some media reports have claimed that the government is considering giving DA/DR arrears. According to these reports:
- Government is planning to pay the arrears till December 2024
- This could be a New Year’s gift
- This has been discussed in the cabinet
But these are just media reports. There has been no official confirmation from the government yet.
Demand of employee organizations on DA/DR arrears
Various employee organizations are continuously demanding DA/DR arrears. His arguments are:
- Financial burden on employees has increased due to increase in inflation
- Arrears are a legitimate right of employees
- The financial condition of the government has now become better
Employee organizations have raised this demand by writing letters to the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister.
Economic impact of DA/DR arrears
If the government decides to pay DA/DR arrears, it will have a big economic impact:
- Total cost will be around Rs 2 lakh crore
- This will put a huge burden on the government treasury
- But this will increase the purchasing power of the employees
- The economy may get a boost
Experts’ opinion on DA/DR arrears
Economic experts believe:
- Paying arrears will increase financial pressure on the government
- But this will provide relief to the employees
- The government will have to take a balanced decision on this
- Payment in installments may be an option
DA/DR Arrears: FAQs
- Who will get DA/DR arrears?
- Central government employees and pensioners
- What will be the total amount of arrears?
- About Rs 2 lakh per employee
- Has the government announced payment of arrears?
- No official announcement has been made yet
- When can the arrears be received?
- According to media reports, by December 2024
- Will the arrears be received at once?
- It will depend on the government’s decision
DA/DR Arrears: Way Forward
There is no clear situation yet regarding DA/DR arrears. Some possible scenarios could be:
- Government can pay the entire arrears at once
- Can be paid in installments
- Partial arrears can be given
- There may be a decision not to pay arrears
Employees will have to wait for the official decision of the government.
DA/DR Arrears: Tips for Employees
If you are a Central Government employee or pensioner:
- Pay attention to official notices
- avoid rumors
- Stay in touch with your department
- Stay updated with employee organizations
- Do not depend on arrears while making financial planning
conclusion
DA/DR arrears is an important issue that affects lakhs of central government employees and pensioners. Although claims are being made in media reports, no official announcement has been made by the government yet. Employees should be patient and wait for official notifications. This is a complex economic issue that will have to be carefully considered by the government.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. There has been no official announcement regarding DA/DR arrears. Do not trust media reports and speculations. Trust only information received from official sources of the government. Consult your financial advisor when making financial decisions.
