Staff Correspondent:

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said that the matter of dearness allowance is under active consideration and a committee has already been assigned to work on it.

“As the national budget is approaching, it may take some time,” said.

He made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to reporters following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs at the Secretariat.

When asked whether dearness allowance will be included in the upcoming budget, the adviser replied, “I won’t say anything about it right now. We are working on it and actively considering the issue. A committee has been tasked with this and they are working on it. They will submit their findings to me.”

In response to a question about the possibility of introducing dearness allowance, Salehuddin Ahmed said, “There is a fair chance. It will take a bit of time as the budget is near. I will work it out — from when it can be provided and how much.”

Asked about the possible amount, he said, “I can’t reveal that now. If I say that, it would mean saying everything.”

When asked whether the amount might range from 10% to 15% as rumoured, he responded, “I am still working on it. Once finalised, it will go to the Cabinet and receive the Chief Adviser’s approval. Only then will you know.”

When journalists mentioned that many government officials are feeling frustrated over the issue, the adviser replied, “There’s no reason to feel frustrated. We are taking it into consideration.”

To a follow-up question on whether this means there is good news for government employees, he said, “There is no need to say such a thing now, but we are considering it.”