June 16, 2025 | By: Sagar Thakur
If you’re a central government employee or pensioner, you’re probably still waiting for something long overdue — the 18 months of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) that were frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You worked hard. You fulfilled your duties. But the government-held payments have still not been released. And the wait? It’s been frustrating and exhausting.
🕰️ What Exactly Happened?
Between March 2020 and June 2021, the Government of India paused all DA and DR hikes due to the pandemic. The country was going through a financial crunch, and tough calls had to be made.
But despite everything, government employees continued to work. Offices may have shut down, but services didn’t stop. And now, even after everything is back to normal, the pending dues haven’t been paid.
🏛️ Latest Update from the 63rd JCM Meeting
In the recent 63rd Standing Committee Meeting of the National Council (JCM) held at CSOI, New Delhi, the issue of DA arrears was raised once again.
The message from employee and pensioner representatives was loud and clear:
“We delivered when the country needed us. Now it’s time for the government to deliver what’s fair.”
✊ Major Demands Raised:
- Immediate release of 18 months’ DA/DR arrears
- Formation of the 8th Pay Commission
- Launch of a new insurance scheme for central government employees
🤐 Government’s Response: Silence Speaks
Unfortunately, the Ministry of Finance did not give any positive assurance. While they acknowledged the budgetary constraints due to welfare schemes and COVID-19, they once again avoided committing to the DA arrears.
This wasn’t just a financial letdown — it felt like a lack of recognition and respect for the dedicated work of employees during the toughest times in recent history.
📈 8th Pay Commission: Some Progress
There is, however, movement on the 8th Pay Commission.
The government has started appointing members and issuing necessary notifications. If things go smoothly, the new pay scale may be implemented starting January 1, 2026.
And if there are delays? There’s a chance that arrears may be included later, just as in previous commissions.
🛡️ A New Insurance Scheme in the Works
One silver lining is that the Department of Expenditure has drafted a new insurance scheme for central government employees. While it hasn’t been officially rolled out yet, it promises better coverage and more financial security.
Let’s hope this doesn’t end up as just another “proposal on paper.”
💬 What Employees Are Saying
Central employees and pensioners are tired, yes — but not hopeless.
They are not asking for bonuses or special favors. Just the dues they earned, fair and square, during a time of national crisis.
“We gave our best during the pandemic. Now, all we want is justice.”
This is not anger. It’s dignified disappointment.
🧾 Quick Summary: Current Status
| Issue | Current Status |
|---|---|
| 18-Month DA/DR Arrears | No official assurance yet |
| 8th Pay Commission | In progress, expected by Jan 2026 |
| New Insurance Scheme | Proposal drafted, not implemented yet |
| Employee Sentiment | Hopeful, but exhausted |
❓ FAQs: DA Arrears & Government Response
Q1. When will the 18-month DA/DR arrears be paid?
➡️ There’s no official timeline. Employee unions continue to raise the demand.
Q2. Why were DA/DR payments stopped?
➡️ Due to the financial crisis during COVID-19 and budget constraints.
Q3. Has the 8th Pay Commission been officially announced?
➡️ Yes, initial appointments and notifications are in process.
Q4. Will arrears be given if the 8th Pay Commission is delayed?
➡️ Most likely. Past commissions have paid arrears in case of delays.
Q5. What’s this new insurance scheme about?
➡️ It’s a proposed plan to offer better insurance benefits to central employees. Final approval is pending.
Q6. Can the 18-month arrears still be paid?
➡️ Yes, if the government chooses a compassionate and fair approach, the issue can still be resolved.
