The Central Government has announced a major relief for disabled central employees. Now, employees with certain categories of disabilities will receive transport allowance at double the normal rate.
The Finance Ministry has issued instructions to all ministries and departments regarding this update.
The official memorandum also updates the list of eligible disability categories, replacing the earlier instructions issued on 15 September 2022.
Who Will Get the Benefit?
As per the notification, the following disability categories, defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act 2016 and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (EPwD), will be eligible:
Blindness
Locomotor disability – includes cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, muscular dystrophy, spinal deformity, etc.
Deaf, mute, and hearing impaired
Autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability
Long-term neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
Blood disorders such as hemophilia, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease
Multiple disabilities, including deaf-blindness
This step is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to disabled employees and help them manage daily travel challenges more easily.
Allowances Under the 7th Pay Commission
Currently, central employees receive salaries and various allowances under the Seventh Pay Commission. These include:
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Travel Allowance
Children’s Education Allowance
Hostel Subsidy
The 8th Pay Commission is expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026, which may bring significant changes in salaries and allowances.
Disabled employees already enjoy some extra benefits, but this increase in transport allowance will further improve their convenience and self-reliance.
