Constant Attendant Allowance Raised 25% for Soldiers

The Ministry of Defence has announced a 25% hike in the Constant Attendant Allowance (CAA) for soldiers, effective from January 1, 2024, in line with the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).

The notification, issued by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, confirms that the CAA has been raised from ₹6,750 per month to ₹8,438 per month. This allowance, critical for disabled and incapacitated personnel requiring constant attendance, is applicable across ranks.

Key Highlights of the Order

The enhancement follows the Department of Expenditure’s Office Memorandum (OM No. 1/1/2024-E-II(B)) dated March 12, 2024, which increased the Dearness Allowance (DA) rate from 46% to 50% of Basic Pay.
The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW) also directed ministries to revise the CAA accordingly, as per its orders dated September 18, 2024, and October 3, 2024.
The revised CAA applies retrospectively from January 1, 2024.

Background

The original terms of the CAA were laid out in 2017, with ₹6,750 per month being admissible uniformly across all ranks from July 1, 2017. This was part of a broader revision of pension and gratuity provisions following the 7th CPC’s recommendations.

The latest enhancement is a direct consequence of the DA crossing the 50% mark, triggering automatic increases in certain allowances.

What This Means for Soldiers and Pensioners

This revision ensures that ex-servicemen and their dependents who are eligible for CAA receive higher financial support, recognizing the rising cost of living and caregiving. It is particularly significant for disabled soldiers who rely on personal attendants for daily care.

View MoD letter