The Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers (CCGEW) has approached the Union Ministry of Finance, seeking an early decision on the pending revision and release of the instalment for employees and pensioners.

In a memorandum addressed to the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, the Confederation said the next instalment of DA-DR was due from July 1 and requested that the prescribed process be completed at the earliest.

“DA is revised twice a year in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the various Pay Commissions, with the primary objective of compensating employees for the continuing increase in the cost of living and prices,” the Confederation said.

At present, DA and DR for central government employees and pensioners are revised twice a year. The 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) has sought the opinion of employees, pensioners, and other stakeholders on changes to the pay and pension structure.

Past Increases In DA

The organisation pointed to the steady rise in DA over the past three years as evidence of continuing inflationary pressures. According to the memorandum, the rate increased from 46% in July 2023 to 50% in January 2024, 53% in July 2024, 55% in January 2025, 58% in July 2025 and 60% from January 2026.

The Confederation said the movement from 46% to 60% in a relatively short period reflected the cumulative impact of rising prices and underlined the importance of timely revision.

It acknowledged that the proposals for revision of DA/DR have to pass through the prescribed examination and approval process. But it urged the Department of Expenditure to process the proposal and place it before the competent authority as soon as the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) data and the applicable formula establish the revised rate.

The demand has acquired added significance as the festive season approaches, the organisation said. Employees and pensioners are already facing increased financial commitments after July, including educational expenses, household expenditure, travel and other family obligations, it pointed out.

“The forthcoming festive season adds further financial commitments for employees and their families,” the Confederation said, seeking an early announcement to provide greater financial certainty.

The organisation also clarified that its demand was not for any advance payment or additional benefit. The entitlement, it said, already arises from the prescribed effective date of 1 July, 2026. Employees and pensioners are only seeking timely completion of the formal process, followed by payment of the benefit from the effective date, with arrears being regulated in the normal course.

Timing It Right

National President of the NPS Employees Federation Manjeet Patel also urged the government to take an early decision. He pointed to instances where the Centre has adjusted the timing of salary and pension payments to meet local or exceptional circumstances.

He cited the practice in Kerala of releasing salaries in advance during Onam and the recent decision to release salaries and pensions on 25 September ahead of the proposed bank strike from 26-28 September.

“If such flexibility can be exercised in special circumstances, the government should also take an early decision on the DA pending from July,” Patel said.

The Confederation said an early announcement would provide considerable financial reassurance to lakhs of Central government employees, pensioners, and their families at a time when household and festive expenditure is expected to rise.