In a recent development, the Finance Ministry has approved a substantial raise in the rate of Dearness Relief (DR) for Central Government pensioners and family pensioners. The decision, outlined in an official notification dated 27th October 2023 by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), stipulates a notable increase from the existing 42% to 46% of the basic pension/family pension, effective from 1st July 2023.
The notification highlighted the following categories of pensioners to whom the increased dearness relief would be applicable:
(i) Civilian Central Government Pensioners/Family Pensioners, including those in PSU/Autonomous Bodies whose full pension was restored after the expiration of the 15-year commutation period.
(ii) Armed Forces Pensioners/Family Pensioners and Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners paid from the Defence Service Estimates.
(iii) All India Service Pensioners/Family Pensioners.
(iv) Railway Pensioners/Family Pensioners.
(v) Pensioners receiving provisional pension.
(vi) Burma Civilian Pensioners/Family Pensioners and Pensioners/families of displaced Government Pensioners from Burma/Pakistan.
The DoPPW also emphasized that any fraction of a rupee in the Dearness Relief would be rounded off to the next higher rupee, adhering to the stipulated guidelines.
Regarding the provisions governing the grant of DR for employed family pensioners and re-employed Central Government Pensioners, the notification emphasized adherence to the guidelines outlined in Rule 52 of CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, and the Department's OM No. 45/73/97-P&PW (G) dated 2.7.1999, as amended from time to time. It was further clarified that the regulations concerning DR for pensioners receiving more than one pension would remain unchanged.
The Department of Justice is expected to issue separate orders pertaining to retired Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. This move comes as a significant relief for pensioners, highlighting the government's commitment to the welfare of its former employees.
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