Central Employees Sidelined as Cabinet Prioritizes ₹1.74 Lakh Crore Infrastructure Blitz Over DA Hike

While the DA revision remained noticeably absent from the agenda, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) cleared five monumental decisions involving investments and subsidies totaling ₹1,74,207 crore, according to news agency PTI. The session’s primary focus pivoted toward massive infrastructure and power sector advancements. Central to these approvals are two major hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh, requiring a combined investment exceeding ₹40,000 crore, designed to bolster power generation, fortify national grid stability, and manage peak demand.

Specific administrative approval was granted for the 1200 MW Kalai-II Hydro Electric Project on the Lohit River in the Anjaw district. This venture involves an investment of ₹14,105.83 crore and is slated for completion within 78 months, with a projected annual generation of 4852.95 million units of energy. The project will be realized through a joint venture between THDC India Limited and the Arunachal Pradesh government. Simultaneously, the 1720 MW Kamala Hydro Electric Project was sanctioned to span across the Kamle, Kra Daadi, and Kurung Kumey districts. Executed by NHPC Limited in partnership with the state government, this ₹26,069.50 crore project aims to produce 6870 million units of energy while offering critical flood moderation benefits for the Brahmaputra Valley.

Beyond power generation, the government has pledged significant financial support for auxiliary infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and transmission systems. These developments are expected to revitalize local communities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, compensation, and direct employment opportunities. However, the contrast between these massive capital outlays and the missing DA announcement remains stark. As the government pushes forward with its large-scale industrial roadmap, the unresolved status of the dearness allowance continues to weigh heavily on the central workforce, leaving the significance of these economic strides overshadowed by the lingering uncertainty surrounding employee benefits