NC JCM Letter on DA/DR Delay January 2026 for Central Government Employees
DA January 2026 Delay: NC JCM Letter on DA/DR for Central & Odisha Government Employees
The Dearness Allowance (DA) for January 2026 has not yet been announced as of April 2026. The delay beyond the usual March timeline has raised concerns among Central and Odisha Government employees awaiting salary revision and arrears.
From: Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary, National Council (Staff Side)
To: The Cabinet Secretary, Govt of India & Chairman, National Council-JCM
Letter No: NC-JCM-2026/CS/PM | Date: April 13, 2026
The National Council (Staff Side) has written to the Cabinet Secretary expressing concern over the undue delay in declaring the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) instalment due from 01.01.2026, which was expected in March.
Key Highlights of the Communication
of March
Declared
01.01.2026
& Pensioners
Expected DA Hike for January 2026
Based on All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) trends and previous revisions, the Dearness Allowance (DA) is expected to increase by around 2% to 4% over the current rate.
Why is DA for January 2026 Delayed?
The delay in DA/DR declaration may be due to administrative approvals, financial considerations, and pending clearance at the Union Cabinet level. Such delays are uncommon but can occur due to broader policy or budget-related decisions.
Impact on Odisha Government Employees
The delay in Dearness Allowance (DA) announcement by the Central Government also affects Odisha State Government employees, as the state usually follows the Centre's decision for revising DA rates.
In most cases, the Odisha Government announces DA hikes shortly after the Central Government declaration. Due to the current delay for January 2026, Odisha employees are also awaiting clarity on their DA increase and arrears.
💰 To estimate how much arrears you may receive once DA is announced, you can use our DA arrear calculator for Odisha Govt employees.
NC JCM Letter on DA/DR Delay – Full Details & Analysis
The National Council (Staff Side) has formally raised concern regarding the delay in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) announcement for January 2026. This delay is unusual, as DA/DR is typically declared by the last week of March every year.
As the DA/DR is effective from 01 January 2026, Central Government employees and pensioners are expected to receive arrears once the announcement is made. 👉 You can estimate your expected amount using our DA arrear calculator for January 2026.
Official Letter Content
Subject: Undue delay in declaration of DA/DR due to Central Government employees & pensioners w.e.f. 01/01/2026
Dear Sir,
It is respectfully submitted that the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) instalment due to Central Government employees and pensioners from January 2026 is usually declared during the last week of March each year.
However, this year the DA/DR instalment due from 01.01.2026 has not yet been declared. This unexpected delay has created uncertainty, concern, and dissatisfaction among employees and pensioners across the country.
In view of the above, it is requested that necessary action may kindly be taken to expedite the declaration of DA/DR at the earliest.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
Secretary, NC-JCM (Staff Side)
Key Concerns Raised by NC JCM:
• Delay beyond the usual March timeline has triggered employee concerns.
• Lack of official announcement is causing uncertainty among pensioners.
• Immediate declaration of DA/DR from 01 January 2026 has been strongly requested.
• Employees are also awaiting clarity on arrears payment.
📄 Official NC JCM Letter (PDF): Download NC JCM DA/DR Delay Letter PDF
Salary & DA Calculation Tools
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is this letter written?
The letter is written to protest the undue delay in declaring the DA/DR instalment that was due from 01.01.2026, which is usually announced by March.
2. Who wrote this letter?
It is written by Shiva Gopal Mishra, Secretary of the National Council (Staff Side) JCM.
3. When was the DA/DR expected to be declared?
It was expected during the last week of March 2026, as is the usual practice.
4. Who is affected by this delay?
Central Government employees and pensioners are affected as they are awaiting the increase in their dearness allowance.