Is BATTA Charge Is Considered For PF Calculation

Hi Everybody,
i have a doubt regarding the Gratuity , calculation. IS the BATTA charge given to drivers comes under DA & is this amount considered for gratuity calculation, i hope my friends will give clear answer to my question
thanks,
ANU MOHAN DHAS

I don't think that there is any specific direction about treatment of Batta in PF and gratuity. Batta being an amount payable on the basis of trips undertaken by a driver or a similar employee, will be varying according to his daily duty whereas dearness allowance will be fixed either as a percentage of basic wage or on the basis of consumer price index. The variable DA as the latter denotes is also fixed but is variable only to the extend of CPI. Similarly, batta is not a regular earning for a driver and is not considered for leave wages or other benefits. As such, I feel that batta will not be considered at par with DA and need not be taken for gratuity calculation.
Regards,
Madhu.T.K