INTUC’s Bold Appeal : Demand for 18 Month DA Arrears and Restoration of Commuted Pension Sparks National Debate

 INTUC’s Bold Appeal : Demand for 18 Month DA Arrears and Restoration of Commuted Pension Sparks National Debate

INTUC has submitted Demand for 18 Month DA Arrears and Restoration of Commuted Pension in a formal written appeal to the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) urging them to carefully review these issues raised in Standing Committee Meeting

Demand for 18 Month DA Arrears

INTUC Appeals to DoPT to Grant 18 Months DA Arrears and Restoration of Commuted Pension in 12 Years

Shri. Ashok Singh, Vice President of The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) has made a significant appeal to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) regarding two crucial issues concerning central government employees and pensioners. The appeal focuses on the payment of 18 months of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears and the restoration of the commuted pension period to 12 years.

18 Months DA Arrears

The INTUC has urged the DoPT to address the long-standing issue of 18 months of pending DA arrears. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government had temporarily frozen the DA for central government employees from January 2020 to June 2021 to manage the economic impact of the pandemic. This decision affected millions of employees who rely on DA as a critical component of their income to counter inflation. Despite the subsequent unfreezing of DA, the arrears for this period have not yet been disbursed, causing financial strain on employees. The INTUC is advocating for the immediate release of these arrears, arguing that employees should not bear the financial burden of the pandemic’s economic repercussions.

In addition to the DA arrears, the INTUC is also calling for the restoration of the commuted portion of the pension within 12 years, down from the current period of 15 years. The commuted pension is a lump sum payment received by pensioners in lieu of a portion of their monthly pension, which is later adjusted from their pension payments. Presently, the commuted pension is restored after 15 years, which INTUC argues is a long period, especially considering the financial needs of retired individuals. Restoring the commuted portion after 12 years would provide timely financial relief to pensioners, enhancing their economic security in the post-retirement phase of their lives.

Advocacy for Employee Welfare

INTUC’s appeal highlights its commitment to advocating for the welfare of central government employees and pensioners. By pushing for the release of DA arrears and a more favorable commuted pension restoration period, INTUC aims to alleviate the financial pressures faced by these individuals and ensure a more supportive economic environment for them.

The plea to the DoPT underscores the need for government action to address these concerns promptly, reflecting the broader effort to ensure the well-being of employees and retirees in the face of economic challenges.