7th Pay Commission: 4% DA Hike to Be Announced in September? Check What the AICPI Data Says

Lakhs of central government employees are eagerly awaiting the official announcement regarding the second Dearness Allowance (DA) hike of the year. According to the most recent rumour, the central government employees would probably receive a 4 percent raise this time, bringing their total DA percentage to 38 percent.

Based on the most recent inflation data, this amount is expected. AICPI (All-India Consumer Price Index) stayed higher than 129. The AICPI data is used to determine the DA boost, and the figures indicate that a 4 percent increase is more likely than the earlier 3 percent given to central government employees for January 2022.

When can we expect the DA hike?

The announcement might be made after the upcoming round of cabinet meetings, according to the most recent reports, but central employees are still waiting. The formal announcement might be made near the end of the month when the Navratri festival starts in late September. It was reported that central government employees could benefit from the DA boost with their September paychecks.

What are the updates on the 18-month DA arrears?

There have been no answers yet for the long-standing demand of central government employees for the release of DA arrears for the 18-month period when it was frozen. The discussion has continued, though.

Between January 2020 and June 2021, DA increases were put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. It was made clear that there was no position on disbursing back payments for the frozen DA.

The employees' side has maintained a tough attitude, though. According to the National Council of JCM, arrears for the time the DA was frozen should be taken into consideration, Secretary (Staff Side) Shiv Gopal Mishra had earlier stated. The workers anticipate a negotiated agreement from the administration.

According to the most recent reports, in the most recent official letter to the government, the JCM Secretary (Staff Side) highlighted a Supreme Court decision.

It has been made clear that DA is a part of salary and that it is an employee’s right for any paycheck delay to result in the payment of interest. Additionally, it has been stated that the employees' side is open to talking with the government on how to settle the arrears.