Maths - Com. P.Suresh

 One Day, One Minute, One Rule – 153.
Proportionate Dress Allowance for Retiring Officials

153. According to the latest 2025 directives from the Department of Posts, how should the payment of Dress Allowance be regulated for officials who are retiring in the middle of a year, and what specific administrative actions are required for those whose retirement falls after October 2025?

In accordance with Order No. 41-2/2017-PAP dated 24 September, 2025, the Department of Posts has clarified that the payment of Dress Allowance to officials retiring in the middle of the year must now be regulated on a proportionate basis. This decision follows advice from the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, via I.D. No. 19051/2/2025-E.IV dated 16.09.2025, intended to maintain consistency with the rules already established for new joinees. This marks a shift from the previous instructions dated 05.03.2020, which allowed for full or half payments based on whether the official retired before or after December.

For administrative implementation, the order specifies that for officials whose retirement falls from October 2025 onwards, the recovery of any excess Dress Allowance paid in July 2025 (which was paid at full rates under the old rules) should be made from their pay and allowances for the month of October 2025. However, the Department has also stipulated that no recovery will be effected from those officials who had already retired as of the date of the order, or those who were due to retire by 30.09.2025.