To
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
Hon’ble Finance Minister of India
Ministry of Finance
Government of India
New Delhi
Subject: Immediate declaration of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) due from 01.01.2026 in compliance with Pay Commission principles and constitutional obligations
Respected Madam,
I, Lokanath Mishra, Chief Adviser of the All India Pensioners’ Association of CBIC, most respectfully draw your urgent attention to the inordinate delay in the declaration of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) due from 1st January 2026 for Central Government employees and pensioners.
At the outset, it is submitted that successive Central Pay Commissions, particularly the 7th Central Pay Commission, have unequivocally emphasized that DA/DR is not a discretionary benefit but a compensatory mechanism intended to neutralize the impact of inflation on wages and pensions. The Commission has clearly laid down that DA/DR revisions must be periodical, automatic, and timely, linked to the Consumer Price Index, so as to protect the real income of employees and pensioners.
Further, the principle of full or near-full neutralization of inflation—as consistently recommended from the 5th Central Pay Commission onwards—forms the backbone of the DA/DR scheme. Any delay in its announcement defeats the very purpose of this mechanism and results in erosion of real income, particularly for pensioners who have no additional sources of earning.
It is also respectfully submitted that such delay raises concerns in light of the constitutional ethos embodied in Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life with dignity. Pension is a deferred wage, and Dearness Relief is an essential component to ensure that such deferred wage retains its value in times of inflation. Moreover, under Article 38 and Article 39, the State is obligated to promote the welfare of the people and ensure economic justice, particularly for vulnerable sections such as elderly pensioners.
The present circumstances have aggravated the hardship. Due to ongoing global tensions and war-like conditions, there has been a steep and unprecedented rise in retail prices, especially in essential commodities such as food items and life-saving medicines. Pensioners—many of whom are aged, infirm, and dependent entirely on fixed pensions—are facing acute financial distress. The delay in DA/DR revision has, therefore, resulted in a serious erosion of their purchasing power and dignity.
It is pertinent to highlight that, as per established convention and administrative practice, DA/DR due from 01.01.2026 ought to have been declared in March 2026, enabling payment of arrears in April 2026. Any deviation from this timeline undermines both administrative consistency and the legitimate expectations of employees and pensioners.
In view of the above facts and in the interest of justice, equity, and constitutional propriety, I most earnestly urge your kind intervention to:
1. Immediately approve and ঘোষণা (declare) the DA/DR due from 01.01.2026 without any further delay.
2. Ensure prompt disbursement of arrears, thereby restoring the financial balance of affected pensioners.
3. Reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the Pay Commission principles of inflation neutralization and timely revision.
A compassionate and expeditious decision in this matter will not only uphold the dignity of lakhs of pensioners but also reinforce their faith in the fairness and responsiveness of the Government.
With highest regards,
Yours faithfully,
(Lokanath Mishra)
Chief Adviser
All India Pensioners’ Association of CBIC
Date: 7.4.26.
⸻
Copy to:
The Secretary (Expenditure)
Ministry of Finance
Government of India
New Delhi
Excellent, justified projections for immediate action by the Government. Thanks Sir. With regards.
Thank you very much.
Why always reminders are required to the government officials. It should be on auto renewal basis. Purposely the government wants us to plead.
Ask the government.