NMC urges PM to release pending instalment of DA

The National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) today appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release pending instalment of dearness allowance (DA) due from July this year in favour of central and state governments employees and pensioners.
"We appeal to the Prime Minister to release pending instalment of 7 per cent DA due from July 1, 2014 in favour of the employees and pensioners of central and state governments in view of increasing inflation and price hike of essential commodities," NMC president Subash Shastri said in a memorandum sent to Modi, today.
Shastri said the price index, which was 5.89 per cent in December 31, 2014, stands at 10.59 per cent in June 30.

He said as prices of all essential commodities have gone up considerably, there is no justification on the part of the government for withholding this instalment for its employees and pensioners.
Shastri also urged Modi to declare Jammu and Srinagar as B-1 cities of the state. Giving B-1 status to both capital cities would ensure more flow of funds for upgrading infrastructures and modernising civic amenities of these fast expanding cities, he added.
He said since cost of living has also increased in Srinagar and Jammu, it will benefit salaried class with increasing house rent allowance (HRA) and compensatory city allowance (CCA).

Grant of 20 per cent interim relief in favour of both central and state government employees and pensioners, raising the Income Tax exemption limit up to Rs 5 lakh for salaried class and merger of 50 per cent DA into basic pay and pension were other demands highlighted in the memorandum.