DA Arrears 2025 Update: For about 50 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners, the present days are filled with hope receiving the DA arrears from the COVID-19 period. Again, these are not just numbers-these are real people who have families and real livelihoods that were affected during a global crisis.
While the government revises DA twice every year, once in January and once in July, the question remains, `What about the 18 months’ worth of DA freeze during the pandemic?’
What Actually Happened to DA During COVID Crisis?
In 2020, with the unprecedented occurrence of COVID-19 not sparing India as well as the rest of the world, a difficult decision was made by the central government. Economic uncertainty led to withholding three successive installments of Dearness Allowance from January 2020 to June 2021. This decision has gone a long way in blocking the chances of economic prosperity in millions of families.
With the slow recovery of the economy and recent revisions of DA rates, these arrears of 18 months remain an emotional threat and source of growing frustration for government employees and pensioners, alike.
Recently, the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers issued a circular dated 7 March 2025. It states clearly that the long-standing demands of the employees are placed first when it comes to settling the pending DA arrears that are due for the pandemic period.
Following matters were stressed in the circular:
- DA arrears unpaid from January 2020 to June 2021
- The need for early constitution of the 8th Pay Commission
- To restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
- To release the withheld money in three installments
This is beyond mere demand—-this is an appeal for justice for employees who worked through a global emergency.
Government’s Stand: No Change So Far
Despite persistent requests, a change in government stand over the issue is still awaited. Officials have time and again expressed the allegation that paying the DA arrears is not feasible at present. To them, due to the unavailability of adequate budgetary resources, permission to release the pending funds cannot be granted.
The above official stance has led to the disappointment of lakhs of employees and pensioners awaiting what they consider their due.