7th Pay Commission: 18-Month DA Arrears, DA Hike & Fitment Factor to Be Announced on Holi 2023

Over one crore central government employees and pensioners are expecting the upcoming Dearness Allowance (DA) hikes at this time of the year. According to recent media sources, the central personnel, however, might receive far more than expected as a "Holi present" this year.

Along with the upcoming DA hike mandated by the 7th Pay Commission, government employees will also benefit from an increase in the Fitment Factor and, most importantly, a definite answer to the 18-month-old DA arrears claim. It should be emphasized that there hasn't yet been any official or verified information about paying central government employees' 18-month day arrears.

However, according to media reports, the government may make a decision regarding the employees union's request in March. The administration has always been adamant about the fact that there are no outstanding debts related to the period when DA raises were suspended because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The employees' side has been lobbying for the payment of the 18-month period between January 2020 and June 2021's arrears, though. According to media sources, Level 3 government personnel may receive between Rs 11,884 and Rs 37,554 in pay, while Level 13/14 employees may receive between Rs 1,44,200 and Rs 2,15,900. The provided figures can vary in the future depending on negotiations among stakeholders on the front.

Employees of the central government may see an increase in the fitment factor in March. According to authorities of the Employees Union, it has already been announced that DA is set to increase by 4%. Based on the most recent All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) numbers, this number is expected.