Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday sharply criticised the central government for allegedly withholding 18 months of dearness allowance (DA) arrears from government employees. Yadav questioned the government’s claims of becoming a “global economic superpower,” asserting that failing to pay these arrears contradicts this narrative.
In a post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Yadav demanded to know how the increased GST collections are being utilised. He questioned why there appears to be funds for high-cost projects and infrastructure, yet essential dues for employees remain unpaid.
The former Chief Minister also highlighted the double burden faced by employees with rising inflation coupled with delayed DA payments.
“Does the government’s claim of becoming a ‘global economic superpower’ mean that employees do not get their dues? The refusal to pay 18 months of DA arrears is essentially a denial of the government’s commitment to its employees,” Yadav said. He also shared a newspaper clipping with the headline, “Centre will not pay 18 months DA arrears to employees.”
He added, “The government needs to explain where the funds from the ever-increasing GST collections and the so-called ‘trillion-dollar economy’ are going. There seems to be money available for billion-dollar ships and crumbling buildings, yet not for the employees who actually keep the government functioning. Employees are facing a double whammy with rising inflation and unpaid dearness allowance, hitting their already limited incomes hard.”
Yadav expressed concern that the non-payment of DA arrears will negatively impact employee efficiency, as they struggle with personal finances. He accused the BJP government of neglecting its employees, suggesting that this reflects a broader disregard for their welfare.
“The BJP does not pay proper salary to those who work,” he added.
He also criticised the government’s treatment of senior citizens, noting that despite increasing medical expenses, pensions remain stagnant.
“Is the government now expecting senior citizens to go on a hunger strike to get their pensions? By ending railway concessions, the BJP has shown a lack of respect for the elderly,” he added.