Update on DA Arrears: Central government employees are receiving a pleasant surprise as the government has now provided clarity regarding the 18 months' Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears, which were withheld during the COVID-19 period. This amount, which has been a subject of much anticipation, is set to be credited to the employees' accounts soon. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest update regarding the DA arrears.

A Significant DA Hike Expected: Employees Stand to Gain a Substantial Increase in Salaries
The dearness allowance (DA) for central employees is poised to rise to 61%, with a 18% increase anticipated. The final DA amount is determined based on the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) figures, and the recent data confirms a 3% hike in DA, which will bring the total DA to 56% starting from January 2025. This increase is expected to greatly enhance the salaries of government employees.

What the Government Has Said About the DA Arrears
The government had earlier confirmed that the 18 months’ DA arrears were held back due to the economic challenges caused by the pandemic. However, with the ongoing economic recovery, there’s a strong indication that the arrears will soon be disbursed. Despite some initial setbacks, such as the absence of any announcement regarding the DA arrears in the February budget, employee unions have kept the pressure on the government to release these pending payments.

Employee Unions Optimistic About the Upcoming Payment
There is a growing sense of optimism among central employees as discussions about the disbursement of DA arrears gain momentum. Employee unions have continued to advocate for the release of these dues, which they believe will provide a substantial financial boost. Many employees now expect an official announcement about the release of the arrears any day.

In conclusion, the employees can look forward to a major financial boost as the DA arrears from the past 18 months are expected to be paid out soon, alongside the anticipated salary hikes.