Confederation Demands Immediate DA and Bonus Announcements
Central Government Employees and Workers Confederation has escalated its concerns over the delayed announcement of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) instalments for the period starting July 1, 2025. The federation, representing lakhs of employees and pensioners, has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to intervene and expedite the release of these increments before the festive season. The delay has sparked widespread dissatisfaction, as workers anticipate the revised allowances to be included in their September salary. This issue has intensified during the pre-Durga Puja period, with employees demanding clarity on their financial stability during the upcoming holidays.
DA Calculation and Historical Context
The DA is determined annually based on the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), using the average of the past 12 months with 2016 as the base year. Typically, the government revises DA twice a year, with the second hike usually announced in late September or early October. However, this year’s delay has disrupted the expected timeline, causing uncertainty among beneficiaries. Previously, the DA increment was issued by October, with three months’ arrears paid upfront. The Confederation highlighted that the current delay has eroded trust and created financial strain for employees reliant on these allowances.
PLB and Ad-hoc Bonus Requests Amid Festive Season
In addition to DA concerns, the Confederation has emphasized the urgent need for the government to announce the Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) and Ad-hoc Bonus. These measures are critical for providing relief to employees ahead of the Durga Puja and Navratri festivals, which are set to begin in early October. The federation argues that the festive season’s financial demands necessitate immediate action to prevent further discontent. Employees and pensioners are also pressuring authorities to finalize the DA hike announcement before the start of the holidays, as the pending increments are vital for their monthly budgets.
Eighth Pay Commission Delays and Future Implications
The delay in DA announcements has been compounded by the prolonged process of the Eighth Pay Commission. Unlike previous commissions, the current review is taking longer, raising concerns about the timeline for resolving salary structures. The July-December 2025 DA hike will mark the final adjustment under the Seventh Pay Commission, which concludes on December 31, 2025. Employees are wary that the extended delay could impact their financial planning, especially as they prepare for the festive season. The Confederation has called for transparency in the commission’s proceedings to ensure timely resolutions for workers.
Government’s Responsibility and Employee Expectations
With the festive season approaching, the Confederation has reiterated its demand for immediate action from the government. Employees and pensioners are urging officials to prioritize the release of DA and bonuses to avoid further unrest. The federation’s letter to Finance Minister Sitharaman underscores the need for a structured timeline to address these financial concerns. As the government faces mounting pressure, the resolution of these issues will be critical in maintaining the morale and stability of the workforce during a time of heightened expectations.
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