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Subsistence Allowance During Suspension Under FR 53

Central Government civil servants under suspension or deemed suspension, governed by the Fundamental RulesChecked against official documents on 5 Oct 2026

Short answerWhile suspended, you get no pay. Instead you get subsistence allowance equal to the leave salary for half pay leave, plus DA on it. After three months, the authority can raise it by up to 50% if the delay is not your fault, or cut it by up to 50% if the delay is your fault.

The Basic Amount

Increase or Decrease After Three Months

If suspension goes beyond three months, the authority that made the suspension order can change the amount for the period after the first three months (DoPT Information Document on Suspension 2022, FR 53(1)(ii)(a), proviso, PDF p. 9):

Reason the suspension is prolonged What the authority may do
Not directly attributable to you (reasons recorded in writing) Increase by up to 50% of the allowance for the first three months
Directly attributable to you (reasons recorded in writing) Reduce by up to 50% of the allowance for the first three months

DA is then paid on the increased or reduced amount (DoPT Information Document on Suspension 2022, FR 53(1)(ii)(a)(iii), PDF p. 9).

Under FR 53 it is obligatory to decide this before the first three months end, so the order takes effect when you complete three months (ISTM Handbook 2024, para 15.3, PDF p. 65).

Example: basic pay Rs 50,000. Half pay leave salary is Rs 25,000, plus DA on Rs 25,000. After three months it can go up to Rs 37,500 or down to Rs 12,500, with DA on the new amount. This is a worked illustration only.

Other Allowances and Conditions

Where to Check

Read FR 53 as reproduced in DoPT's Information Document on Suspension (DoPT Information Document on Suspension 2022, Part J, FR 53, PDF p. 9) and the CVC Vigilance Manual (CVC Vigilance Manual 2021, Chapter VII, para 9, PDF p. 234).

All India Services officers have a parallel provision in their own rules (AIS (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 1969, Rule 4(1)(a), PDF p. 5). Railway servants, armed forces personnel, Delhi Police and KVS or NVS staff should check their own rules and orders.

Related Questions

How much subsistence allowance is paid in the first three months?

An amount equal to leave salary on half average pay or half pay, plus DA on that amount (FR 53(1)(ii)(a)).

Can subsistence allowance be reduced?

Yes, after three months, by up to 50% of the first-three-month amount, if the suspension is prolonged for reasons directly attributable to you and recorded in writing (FR 53(1)(ii)(a)).

Is HRA paid during suspension?

Yes. Compensatory allowances based on pay on the date of suspension, including HRA admissible before suspension, are paid if their conditions are met (FR 53(1)(ii)(b)).

Why must I give a non-employment certificate?

FR 53(2) bars payment of subsistence allowance unless you certify that you are not engaged in any other employment, business, profession or vocation.

Is GPF subscription deducted from subsistence allowance?

No. DoPT lists GPF subscription among deductions not to be made.

Official Sources

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This article explains the official rules as published; it is not legal advice. Check the cited document, and your own department's orders, before acting.