Putting on hold increment in DA, DR for staff, pensioners arbitrary and demotivating: Rly unions

Railway unions protested against the Centre's decision to put on hold increment in dearness allowance (DA) for its employees and dearness relief (DR) for pensioners due to the coronavirus crisis, saying it was "arbitrary and "demotivating".

The finance ministry on Thursday froze inflation-linked allowance for 50 lakh central government employees and 61 lakh pensioners till June 2021 due to the COVID-19 crisis. However, DA and DR at current rates will continue to be paid, it said.

General Secretary of All Indian Railwaymen's Federation Shiv Gopal Mishra said, "This is an arbitrary and improper decision, and would demotivate railway employees who are working with full commitment and honesty during the crisis, running freight and parcel trains."