The government increases dearness allowance twice in January and July for central employees and pensioners. If there is an increase in dearness allowance before Holi, it will be effective from January. It has also been often seen that dearness allowance and dearness relief are increased around Holi in March.
The central government can give a big gift to government employees before Holi. Next week, before Holi, the government can increase dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) for employees and pensioners. If this announcement is made, then 1.2 crore central government employees and pensioners will get the benefit.
The government increases dearness allowance twice in January and July for central employees and pensioners. If there is an increase in dearness allowance before Holi, it will be effective from January. It has also been often seen that dearness allowance and dearness relief are increased around Holi in March. So that employees can get relief before the festival. On the other hand, the increase in July is usually announced around Diwali in October or November every year.
It is worth noting that during the meeting held in New Delhi on March 5, 2025, the Cabinet did not discuss the increase in dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees. The most recent increase in DA was in July 2024, when it increased from 50% to 53%. On March 7, 2024, the Cabinet increased the DA from the previous rate of 46% to 50% of the basic pay. This announcement was made on March 25, 2024, a few days before Holi.
The increase was made in October
On October 16, 2024, the Cabinet approved a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners under the Seventh Pay Commission. This made both DA and DR 53%. The revised rates were to be implemented from July 1, 2024. Now the increase is being awaited once again.
Announcement of 8th Pay Commission
In January 2025, the Center had announced the 8th Pay Commission. It is expected to be implemented by next year. Since the announcement of the formation of the 8th Pay Commission, a huge jump is expected in the salary and pension of employees and pensioners. It is also being said in the reports that after the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission, the government can abolish the old allowance and start a new allowance. This can give a big profit to the employees and pensioners.
How much can DA increase?
According to the AICPI-IW data of December 2024, this time the dearness allowance is expected to increase by 2%. However, the final decision on this will be taken after the approval of the Union Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister.
