New Delhi, April 26 -- Central government employees and pensioners have been waiting for the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears withheld during the COVID-19 pandemic ahead of the 8th Pay Commission.

The arrears, which remained unpaid for 18 months during the pandemic period, have been a long-standing demand among millions of beneficiaries. However, the Finance Ministry clarified in 2020 that these pending payments couldn't be released at this stage. According to the ministry, there was no possibility of disbursing the withheld DA and DR arrears, despite continued requests from employees and pensioners for their settlement.

"The undersigned is directed to say that in view of the crisis arising out of COVI...