The issuing of orders by the DPE for the 5.5% hike in IDA from 01-10-2020 is being delayed causing anxiety and concerns among the pensioners. Last time, when there was a reduction of 0.8% IDA from 01-07-2020, the order was delayed and issued only on 19-08-2020. The pensioners are also worried due to the change in the base year of Consumer Price Index from 2001:100 to 2016: 100 , as this will adversely affect the IDA from 01-10-2020. But the new series of CPI is effective only from September, 2020 whereas the IDA from 01-10-2020 is based on the average rise in CPI up to August, 2020.

Deepavali, the biggest festival of the country, is fast approaching and workers and employees have been paid bonus to celebrate the fesival. But for the pensioners, there is no bonus or Festival Allowance and many of them are expecting to get the increased IDA before Deepavali.

It is in this background that Com.K G Jayaraj, General Secretary contacted the Department of Public Enterprises to ascertain the exact position. Unfortunately, Secretary, DPE was not available and the his Private Secretary advised General Secretary to contact the concerned Director and his mobile number also given. Accordingly, General Secretary had a discussion with Shri.P K Saha, Director on the issue on 12-11-2020. The Director stated that the orders  are not issued and offered no reason for the delay.