DA Revisions for 5th and 6th Pay Commission Employees Announced
The Indian government has finalized significant Dearness Allowance (DA) revisions for central government employees and pensioners still under the 5th and 6th Pay Commissions. Effective from July 1, 2025, the DA rates for these groups have been adjusted to reflect inflationary pressures. The 5th Pay Commission, which concluded its term in 2005, and the 6th Pay Commission, which ended in 2015, continue to govern the pay structures of certain Central Autonomous Bodies (CABs) and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). These organizations maintain their alignment with the older pay scales, necessitating separate DA adjustments. The new rates aim to improve purchasing power for over 1.2 million employees and pensioners across these sectors.
5th Pay Commission DA Hike Details
Employees under the 5th Pay Commission will see their DA rate increase from 466% to 474% of basic pay. This adjustment follows the previous DA revisions under the 7th Pay Commission, which ended its term in December 2025. The 5th Pay Commission’s framework, though outdated, remains operational for specific entities that have not adopted newer pay structures. The revision process highlights the government’s commitment to maintaining financial parity for employees in legacy pay systems. This change is expected to provide relief to those whose salaries are still governed by the 2005 pay scale.
6th Pay Commission DA Adjustments
For employees under the 6th Pay Commission, the DA has been raised from 252% to 257% of basic pay, effective July 1, 2025. This update follows similar adjustments for the 7th Pay Commission, which recently completed its term. The 6th Pay Commission’s framework, active from 2006 to 2015, continues to influence the pay structures of certain government departments and enterprises. The DA revisions aim to address inflationary impacts while ensuring consistency with broader wage adjustments. These changes underscore the government’s effort to balance fiscal responsibility with employee welfare.
7th Pay Commission Hike and Future Revisions
The 7th Pay Commission’s last DA revision, which boosted the allowance to 58% from 55%, was announced last week. This marked the end of the 2025 pay cycle for over 1 crore employees and pensioners. However, the government has not yet finalized the 8th Pay Commission’s recommendations, which are expected to take 1-1.5 years to draft. The upcoming panel’s formation is crucial for shaping future salary structures, as it will determine new pay scales and allowances. Employees and pensioners are closely monitoring developments to anticipate potential revisions in the coming years.
Implications for Central Government Employees
The DA revisions for 5th and 6th Pay Commission employees reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to address inflationary pressures while maintaining fiscal discipline. These adjustments are critical for ensuring fair compensation for those in legacy pay systems. The 8th Pay Commission’s recommendations, once finalized, will likely bring further changes to the pay structure, affecting millions of employees. The revisions highlight the dynamic nature of wage policies and the government’s responsiveness to economic conditions. As the 2025 DA cycle concludes, stakeholders await the next phase of salary reforms to ensure equitable treatment across all pay commissions.
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