7th Pay Commission Update: Government Doubles Transport Allowance for Special Category Disabled Central Employees

The Central Government has delivered a significant financial relief to a specific group of central employees under the 7th Pay Commission framework. In a recent move, the Ministry of Finance has announced that transport allowance for employees with certain categories of disabilities will now be paid at double the standard rate. The directive has already been circulated to all ministries and departments, ensuring that eligible employees receive the benefit without delay.

Updated List of Eligible Disability Categories

The decision follows an official memorandum amending the earlier guidelines issued on September 15, 2022. As per the updated notification, employees falling under the categories defined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and recognised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (EPwD) will be entitled to the doubled transport allowance.

The eligible categories include:

• Blindness or severe visual impairment

• Locomotor disabilities, including conditions such as cerebral palsy, cured leprosy, dwarfism, acid attack survivors, muscular dystrophy, and spinal deformities

• Hearing disabilities, including complete or partial hearing loss

• Speech disabilities or inability to communicate effectively

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual disabilities

• Chronic neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease

• Blood disorders, including haemophilia, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease

• Multiple disabilities, including combined vision and hearing impairment

A Step Towards Greater Inclusion and Mobility

The government’s decision has been widely welcomed as a much-needed measure to address the daily mobility challenges faced by disabled employees. For many in this category, transportation to and from work can be physically demanding and financially burdensome. By doubling the transport allowance, the government aims to not only ease this burden but also promote greater workplace inclusion and independence for persons with disabilities.

Officials from the Ministry of Finance emphasised that this move aligns with the government’s broader objective of ensuring equal opportunities and improved working conditions for employees with special needs. The increased financial support is expected to directly assist with the cost of commuting, whether by personal vehicle, public transport, or other accessible modes of travel.

Benefits Under the 7th Pay Commission Framework

Currently, central government employees receive their salaries and allowances as per the 7th Pay Commission structure. This includes several allowances such as:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)

• House Rent Allowance (HRA)

• Transport Allowance

• Children’s Education Allowance

• Hostel Subsidy

With this recent change, disabled employees will see a noticeable increase in their transport allowance component. This comes in addition to the other benefits they are already entitled to under existing rules.

Looking Ahead to the 8th Pay Commission

While the current allowances are based on the 7th Pay Commission, discussions have already begun regarding the 8th Pay Commission, which is expected to come into effect from January 1, 2026. Analysts anticipate that the next pay revision could bring significant changes to salaries and allowances, potentially offering further benefits to central employees, including those with disabilities.

Conclusion

The doubling of transport allowance for certain disabled employees is a landmark decision that not only addresses an immediate financial concern but also reinforces the government’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities in the workplace. As mobility remains a key factor in employment accessibility, this step is expected to have a direct and positive impact on the professional lives of thousands of central government employees across the country.

With the updated eligibility criteria and immediate implementation, employees falling under the notified disability categories can look forward to an enhanced allowance, making their daily commute more manageable and their work-life balance more sustainable.