- By Aditya Pratap Singh
- Sun, 09 Feb 2025 09:34 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
7th Pay Commission News: The central government has denied its employees the 18 months of wage allowance and wage relief that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Union Finance Ministry said this in a written reply to questions asked in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Replying to a question asked by SP MP Anand Bhadoria in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary explained the reasons behind the decision. He said that those three instalments of DA/DR have been stopped to reduce the burden on the government exchequer during the pandemic. The funds have been diverted to take up welfare measures and check the adverse economic impact of COVID-19 and there is no proposal to release these arrears, he added.
Current DA rates and future increases
The 7th Pay Commission has recommended 53% Mangal Allowance for central government employees and 53% Mahr relief for pensioners. DA is increased twice a year and more hikes are likely in the coming months.
Government Gives Go Ahead To 8th Pay Commission
In January, the central government approved the setting up of the 8th Pay Commission to revise the salaries of central employees and pensioners. The move will benefit about 5 million employees and 6.5 million pensioners. The 8th Pay Commission is expected to be implemented next year, which will ensure timely update of the pay structure before the 7th Pay Commission's tenure ends in 2026.
7th Pay Commission The commission was formed in 2014 and its recommendations came into effect from January 1, 2016. With plans now underway for the next commission, salaries and allowances will be revised repeatedly as usual.