The DA arrears payment issue for 18 months continues to concern central government employees and pensioners as clarity emerges on the government’s final stand regarding frozen DA/DR from the pandemic period. The long-pending demand relates to Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) withheld for January 2020 to June 2021, with fresh discussions once again drawing national attention.
Why DA/DR Was Frozen for 18 Months
The DA and DR were frozen during the COVID-19 crisis as an emergency fiscal measure to manage unprecedented economic pressure. According to the Government of India, the suspension helped redirect funds toward healthcare, welfare programs, and economic recovery initiatives during the peak crisis period.
DA Arrears Status Snapshot
| Aspect | Current Position |
|---|---|
| Frozen Period | Jan 2020 – Jun 2021 |
| Total Duration | 18 months |
| Affected Group | Employees & Pensioners |
| Arrears Payment | Not approved |
| Government Stand | Closed matter |
Government’s Final Stand on DA Arrears
The government has repeatedly clarified that payment of DA/DR arrears is not feasible, citing heavy financial burden and long-term fiscal responsibility. Authorities have stated that DA was restored prospectively from July 2021, but arrears for the frozen period will not be released.
What This Means for Employees and Pensioners
While DA continues to increase regularly after restoration, employees and pensioners should not expect any retrospective payout for the frozen period. The decision affects salary arrears, pension back payments, and DR calculations, closing the chapter on 18-month DA arrears expectations.
Key Highlights of DA Arrears Decision
- 18 months of DA/DR arrears will not be paid
- Freeze period officially treated as a closed issue
- DA restored prospectively from July 2021
- Financial burden cited as primary reason
Conclusion
The DA arrears issue for the 18-month frozen period has reached its conclusion, with the government clearly ruling out any retrospective payment. While this may disappoint employees and pensioners, continued DA hikes after restoration ensure ongoing inflation protection. Attention now shifts toward future pay commission developments and allowance revisions.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official statements, parliamentary replies, and policy clarifications available at the time of writing. Government decisions on DA/DR arrears are subject to change only through formal notifications. Readers should rely on authenticated government circulars for final confirmation.