17 Apr, 2013 10:55 AM

FM on foreign tour, No decision on DA hike, employees reel under the effects of price rise

Despite various employees organisations demanding the announcement of DA hike, the government is silent on the matter. The DA hike announcement was set as an agenda point during the cabinet meeting on 2nd April 2013. However it was communicated after the meeting that no decision on DA hike was taken as the finance minister was not present at the meeting as he was on an official visit to Japan. It is not sure if the presence of the minister is required for the decision.

The union cabinet is meeting is likely to be held on Thursday 18 April, 13, with the anti-rape bill being the major agenda point. It is not sure if the DA issue will be taken up on Thursday. However the finance minister is again out of the country. The minister is onone week two nation tour to Canada and USA on starting from Sunday,14th April, 2013 and will arrive back on 22nd April, 2013. Hence the decision is likely to happen only after that and the DA with arrears will most likely paid only next month.

The Industrial Dearness Allowance(IDA) rates that is also based on All India Consumer Price Index (IW) had been increased w.e.f 01.04.2013. Government has also decided to implement the new hiked rates of minimum wages in respect of scheduled employments w.e.f. 1st April, 2013. The new rates have been worked out after adjustment of dearness allowance. Its only the DA for the CGEs thats pending

It is very unfortunate that the government is delaying the decision indefinitely. Millions of central governments as well as state government employees are eagerly waiting for the benefit of the hike. The employees who are already reeling under the effects of the unprecedented price rise, have their household budgets calculated keeping in mind the DA arrears that usually comes to them by March end. They delay can have severe implications for the family.

[ DA hike approved by the government - 18 April, 13]