DA Hike 2026: A 3% increase in the Dearness Allowance may be announced today..
DA Hike 2026: Good news may arrive today regarding an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for central government employees and pensioners. Millions of employees, awaiting the DA/DR hike—effective from July 1, 2026—are now looking toward the Union Cabinet meeting scheduled for today, October 21. It is widely expected that the government may approve an increase in the Dearness Allowance during this meeting.
Employee organizations anticipate a DA hike
Dr. Manjeet Singh Patel, National President of the All India NPS Employees Federation, noted that there has been a significant delay in the announcement of the DA hike. Consequently, it is expected that a decision could be reached during today’s Cabinet meeting.
Similarly, C. Sreekumar, Secretary of the All India Defence Employees Federation, has also expressed hope that an increase in the DA will be announced following the meeting.
The delay in the DA announcement is causing growing concern among employees and pensioners. In response, the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers held protests at various workplaces during lunch breaks on October 16. The organization also wrote to the Cabinet Secretary, demanding an early announcement regarding the DA, DR, and bonuses, effective from July 1.
While the government has already announced a Performance-Linked Bonus (PLB) and a non-PLB bonus for railway employees, a decision on the DA is still pending.
How much could the Dearness Allowance increase?
Currently, central government employees receive a Dearness Allowance (DA) at a rate of 60%. The DA is calculated based on the average retail inflation data from the preceding 12 months.
According to current estimates, the DA could see an increase of 3%. If approved by the government, the Dearness Allowance would rise from 60% to 63%. However, the final decision will only become clear following an official announcement from the government.
How much will the salary increase?
If an employee has a basic salary of ₹44,900, their total salary—based on the current 60% Dearness Allowance (DA)—is ₹71,840. With the DA increasing to 63%, this figure could rise to ₹73,187.
Consequently, an employee could receive an additional benefit of approximately ₹1,347 per month. All eyes are now on the cabinet meeting, where the situation regarding the DA hike is expected to become clear.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Money Control. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
