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 No, Your DA and Pay Commission Benefits Are Not Being Removed— Here’s the Truth for Retired Govt Employees

Recently, several media outlets sparked anxiety among retired government employees by claiming that the Centre has decided to withdraw dearness allowance (DA) hikes and Pay Commission benefits through new rules introduced in the Finance Act 2025.

Understandably, such news created a wave of concern in the pensioner community. But before you believe these headlines, let’s dig into the facts.

🚨 The Claim

Media reports suggested that the government is removing key post-retirement benefits—particularly DA hikes and Pay Commission revisions—for retired government employees.

They claimed this was being done under the provisions of the Finance Act 2025.

✅ The Fact-Check

After a detailed investigation into official notifications and policy documents, it is clear that these reports are false.

There has been a rule change, but it’s being misrepresented. Here’s what actually happened.

🔍 The Real Rule Change: Amendment to Rule 37

The government recently amended Rule 37 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021. This was done by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW) in coordination with:

• Department of Expenditure (Ministry of Finance)
• Department of Personnel & Training
• Department of Legal Affairs
• Legislative Department
• Comptroller & Auditor General

The amendment affects Rule 37(29)(c) and states:

If an employee—originally from a government department but later absorbed into a PSU—is dismissed due to misconduct, they may lose all retirement benefits, including those earned during their government service.

However, this decision is subject to review by the concerned Ministry.

In other words, this rule only applies to PSU employees who were previously in government service and later removed due to misconduct.

❌ No Link to DA or Pay Commission Benefits

Let’s be very clear—this amendment does not affect regular pensioners or civil/defence retirees.

There’s no change in:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) hikes
• Pay Commission-related pension benefits

🏛️ Government Clarification

When the Finance Bill 2025 was passed in Parliament this March, the confusion triggered a wave of misinformation.

To clear the air, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified:

“This rule reaffirms what has existed since June 1, 1972. It doesn’t alter pensions for civil or defence retirees.”

Additionally, the DoP&PW confirmed that the pension parity system introduced by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) is still in place and continues to apply.

🧾 Final Verdict

So, what’s the truth?

• ✅ DA hikes are safe.
• ✅ Pay Commission benefits are untouched.
• ❌ No retiree will lose benefits due to the Finance Act 2025.

The only change relates to disciplinary cases of PSU employees who were previously in government service.

🧓 Dear Retirees, Don’t Panic!

If you are a retired government employee or a family member of one, you can rest easy. Your pension, DA hikes, and Pay Commission revisions remain fully protected.