The Central Government has given a big relief to disabled central employees. Now, employees with certain disabilities will get transport allowance at double the normal rate.
The Finance Ministry has issued instructions to all ministries and departments about this change.
The official memorandum has also updated the list of eligible disability categories, replacing the earlier instructions issued on 15 September 2022.
Who Will Get the Benefit?
According to the notification, the following disability categories (as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities) are 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 will provide much-needed financial support to disabled employees and help them deal with daily travel challenges more easily.
Allowances Under the 7th Pay Commission
At present, central employees get salaries and allowances under the Seventh Pay Commission, which include:
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Travel Allowance
Children’s Education Allowance
Hostel Subsidy
The 8th Pay Commission is expected to start from January 1, 2026, and may bring major changes in salaries and allowances.
Disabled employees already receive some extra benefits, but the increase in transport allowance will make their travel more convenient and help them become more self-reliant.
