CDRA Seeks DoPT’s Intervention to Resolve Long-Pending Re-Employment Issues of Ex-Servicemen
In a significant development concerning thousands of re-employed ex-servicemen working in Central Government departments, the Confederation of Defence Recognised Associations (CDRA) has formally submitted a detailed representation to the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) requesting urgent policy reforms on two major issues—grant of 300 days leave encashment and revision of pay fixation rules.
The representation, dated 13 July 2026, has been addressed to the Secretary (Personnel), DoPT, highlighting that these unresolved issues continue to cause financial hardship and unequal treatment to veterans who have already rendered distinguished military service and are serving the nation again in civilian government departments.
Why the Representation Matters
The Government of India has consistently encouraged the rehabilitation of retired Armed Forces personnel by providing reservation and opportunities in Central Government employment. However, according to CDRA, certain service conditions applicable after re-employment remain discriminatory and require immediate correction.
The association argues that despite years of dedicated military service, many ex-servicemen continue to face financial disadvantages because of outdated policies governing leave encashment and pay fixation.
Issue No. 1: Demand for Uniform Grant of 300 Days Leave Encashment
One of the principal demands raised by CDRA relates to the benefit of 300 days leave encashment under the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972.
The representation refers to an important judgment delivered by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Allahabad Bench in Original Application No. 1044 of 2023, decided on 11 August 2025.
The Tribunal held that re-employed ex-servicemen who entered civilian government service without protection of their previous military pay or post should be treated as fresh entrants under Rule 34 of the CCS (Leave) Rules. Consequently, they are entitled to accumulate earned leave and receive leave encashment up to 300 days, just like other Central Government employees. The Tribunal also directed the concerned authorities to grant this benefit within three months.
Need for Uniform Implementation
CDRA has urged DoPT to issue comprehensive instructions ensuring that all similarly placed re-employed ex-servicemen receive this benefit without being compelled to approach courts individually.
According to the association, a nationwide clarification would eliminate inconsistent interpretations by various departments and reduce avoidable litigation.
Issue No. 2: Review of Pay Fixation Policy
The second major concern raised by CDRA relates to the CCS (Fixation of Pay of Re-employed Pensioners) Orders, which govern salary fixation of retired defence personnel after joining civilian government service.
The association has pointed out that the present policy creates significant disparities, particularly affecting Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR).
In many cases, PBOR personnel are fixed at the minimum of the applicable pay level, irrespective of:
- Long years of military service,
- Higher last pay drawn,
- Extensive professional experience, and
- Technical expertise acquired during military service.
By contrast, commissioned officers often receive more favourable pay fixation based on their last pay drawn, subject to applicable rules. CDRA argues that this distinction has resulted in avoidable anomalies and financial hardship.
Judicial Recognition of the Anomaly
The representation also notes that the issue has been examined in various judicial forums, including the Hon’ble Supreme Court and High Courts, where the principle of equitable treatment for re-employed ex-servicemen has been emphasised.
Based on these judicial developments, CDRA has requested DoPT to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing pay fixation policy to ensure fairness across all categories of re-employed veterans.
Five Major Demands Submitted to DoPT
CDRA has requested the Department of Personnel & Training to consider the following measures:
- Extend the benefit of 300 days leave encashment to all similarly placed re-employed ex-servicemen.
- Amend or clarify the CCS (Leave) Rules to remove ambiguity regarding leave encashment after re-employment.
- Review and rectify anomalies in the pay fixation rules, especially those affecting PBOR.
- Constitute an Expert Committee and consult ex-servicemen organisations, stakeholders and Staff Side representatives before finalising reforms.
- Issue consolidated guidelines applicable to all Central Government Ministries and Departments to ensure uniform implementation and reduce litigation.
Why These Reforms Are Important
If accepted by DoPT, these proposals could significantly benefit thousands of retired Armed Forces personnel currently serving in civilian government organisations.
The reforms may:
- Ensure equal treatment for all categories of re-employed ex-servicemen.
- Remove long-standing disparities affecting PBOR personnel.
- Reduce litigation before CATs and High Courts.
- Improve morale among veterans serving in government.
- Strengthen the Government’s rehabilitation policy for Armed Forces veterans.
Implications for Re-Employed Ex-Servicemen
The outcome of this representation is likely to be closely watched by ex-servicemen organisations across the country. Many veterans have long argued that their military experience should be appropriately recognised while determining their service benefits after re-employment.
If DoPT initiates the requested policy review, it could lead to substantial administrative reforms benefiting future as well as existing re-employed ex-servicemen.
Conclusion
The representation submitted by CDRA reflects two long-pending issues that directly affect the financial security and service conditions of re-employed ex-servicemen. By seeking uniform implementation of the CAT judgment on 300 days leave encashment and a comprehensive review of pay fixation rules, the association has urged the Government to ensure fairness, consistency and dignity for veterans who continue serving the nation even after retirement from the Armed Forces.
The coming months will be crucial as stakeholders await DoPT’s response. Any positive decision could become one of the most significant policy reforms for re-employed ex-servicemen in recent years.
FAQs
Q1. What issues has CDRA raised before DoPT?
CDRA has sought policy reforms regarding 300 days leave encashment and revision of pay fixation rules for re-employed ex-servicemen.
Q2. Which court judgment supports the leave encashment demand?
The representation relies on the CAT Allahabad Bench judgment in OA No. 1044 of 2023 dated 11 August 2025, which held that eligible re-employed ex-servicemen are entitled to 300 days leave encashment.
Q3. Why are PBOR personnel seeking pay fixation reform?
Many PBOR personnel are fixed at the minimum pay level after re-employment despite long military service and higher last pay drawn, resulting in disparities compared with some other categories.
Q4. Has DoPT accepted these demands?
As of the date of the representation, CDRA has submitted its requests to DoPT. No final policy decision has yet been announced in the document.