Federation of National Postal Organizations (FNPO) has written a letter to 8th Pay Commission Chairperson Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai demanding immediate relief. In this letter, on Friday, 27 February 2026, FNPO General Secretary Shivaji Vesireddy has demanded that in view of rising inflation and possible delay in the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, 50% Dearness Allowance (DA) should be merged with the basic pay/pension and implemented as an interim relief from 1 January 2026.
what was said in the demand
According to the news, the Federation of National Postal Organizations has clearly stated in the letter that it requests the government to provide interim relief by merging 50% dearness allowance with the basic pay/pension from January 1, 2026. This will provide immediate financial assistance to employees and pensioners, partially restore their purchasing power and ensure economic respect and dignity to millions of families across the country.
Such provision was there in earlier pay commissions also
According to the news of Economic Times, Shivaji Vesireddy, giving historical context, said that such a provision was made in earlier pay commissions also. For example- In the 3rd Pay Commission, when DA crossed 100% of the basic pay, it was included in the basic pay. The system of dearness pay was implemented when DA was increased in the fourth and fifth pay commissions.
current situation
DA (and Dearness Relief for pensioners) for central government employees and pensioners is currently 58%. Soon it is likely to increase further by 2%, due to which it may reach 60%.
Purpose of dearness allowance
Dearness Allowance i.e. DA is given to protect against the impact of price rise, which is based on the All India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers. The government revises it twice every year in January and July. This demand has come at a time when the 8th Pay Commission is busy in its proceedings and employee organizations have been demanding DA merger and interim relief for a long time to reduce the burden of inflation. This initiative of the Federation of National Postal Organizations raises hopes of relief for lakhs of central employees and pensioners.
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