Will the DA be announced today? Central government employees might receive good news before Diwali.

Is the central government set to announce an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) today, October 28? Find out what might happen in today’s meeting, the likelihood of the DA rising from 60% to 63%, and how it could impact salaries.

Central government employees and pensioners have been eagerly awaiting an increase in their Dearness Allowance (DA). All eyes are now on today’s meeting (October 28). A meeting of the Union Cabinet is scheduled for today, and it is expected that a decision regarding a DA hike may be announced. However, there has been no official confirmation from the government yet.

The question now arises: will employees receive the good news about a DA hike today, or will they have to wait a little longer? Let’s look at the latest updates regarding the DA.

Will a decision on the DA be made today?

The central government typically adjusts the Dearness Allowance twice a year—once effective from January and again from July. This time, the announcement for the DA hike, which would be effective from July 2024, is still pending.

Employees had hoped for a decision during the previous Cabinet meetings held in October, but that did not happen. Now, attention is focused on today’s potential meeting. It should be noted, however, that a Cabinet meeting does not necessarily guarantee a decision on the DA today; the government has not yet specified a definitive date.

By how much could the DA increase?

According to media reports, the DA could see an increase of 3%. If the government approves this proposal, the Dearness Allowance for employees could rise from the current 60% to 63%. However, this remains an estimate; the exact increase will only be confirmed once the government officially approves the new rate.

What would the benefit be for a basic salary of ₹18,000? If the Dearness Allowance (DA) increases from 60% to 63%, employees will receive additional pay based on their basic salary. For instance, if an employee has a basic salary of ₹18,000, they currently receive a dearness allowance of ₹10,800 (calculated at 60%). With the DA rising to 63%, this amount will become ₹11,340—meaning an increase of ₹540 per month.

Will there be arrears if it is implemented from July?

If the DA hike is made effective from July 1, 2026, employees may receive the difference between the new rate (applicable from July) and the old rate as arrears. However, the specific timing and method of disbursing these arrears will only be clarified through an official government order. Changes to the Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners are also expected.