PoliticsPhoto: Hindustan TimesCentre Approves 3% DA Hike for 4.8 Million Government Employees
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a 3% increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for about 4.85 million central government employees and a similar hike in dearness relief (DR) for 6.87 million pensioners. Effective from July 1, 2026, this raise is described as a 'Diwali gift' and will cost the exchequer ₹10,016.10 crore annually. The previous DA hike was 2%, effective January 1, 2026.
Hindustan Times·


