In a welcome development for central government employees and pensioners, the government has announced updates regarding several benefits provided under the 7th Pay Commission framework. The statement highlights revisions to six allowances.
The Office Memorandum (OM) issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on April 2, 2024, has unveiled the precise details of the alterations being implemented to these allowances.
The revised allowances include:
- Children Education Allowance
- Risk Allowance
- Night Duty Allowance (NDA)
- Over Time Allowance (OTA)
- Special Allowance Payable to Parliament Assistants
- Special Allowance for Child Care for Women with Disabilities.
Children Education Allowance (CEA)
The announcement has clarified that the Children Education Allowance (CEA)/Hostel Subsidy can only be availed for the two eldest surviving children. The CEA amount per child will be Rs. 2250 per month, while the hostel subsidy will amount to Rs. 6750 per month.
Additionally, there’s a decision to update the reimbursement of CEA for Divyang Children in accordance with the 7th CPC norms. Henceforth, it will be reimbursed at double the standard CEA rate, which stands at Rs. 4500 per month.
Additionally, it was noted in the statement that the rate of Children Education Allowance (CEA) will increase by 25% each time the Dearness Allowance (DA) on the revised pay structure rises by 50%.
Risk Allowance
Risk Allowance, granted to employees involved in hazardous tasks or whose work may adversely affect health, will not be considered as “Pay” for any reason.
Night Duty Allowance (NDA)
Night Duty Allowance (NDA) will now be designated for duty conducted between 22:00 and 6:00, with a maximum basic pay limit of ₹43600 per month for eligibility.
Over Time Allowance (OTA)
The statement said, “Ministries/Departments to prepare a list of those staff coming under the category of ‘Operational Staff’. Rates of Overtime Allowance not to be revised upwards” It added that the grant of OTA may be linked to biometric attendance.
Special Allowance Payable to Parliament Assistants
The statement also mentioned that the Special Allowance payable to those fully engaged in Parliament duties during Parliament sessions will be increased by 50% from the current rates of Rs. 1500 and Rs. 1200 for Assistants and UDCs respectively, to Rs. 2250 and ₹1800 respectively.
Special Allowance for Child Care will be provided to women with disabilities.
In this case, the statement said that “…it has been decided that women with disabilities shall be paid Rs. 3000 per month on Special Allowance for child care.” It added that “The allowance shall be payable from the time of the child’s birth till the child is two years old.”