Centre raises DA by 3% for employees and pensioners ahead of Diwali

The Centre has raised Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief by three percentage points, from 60% to 63% of basic pay or pension, effective July 1, 2026, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. The hike will benefit about 48 lakh central employees and 68 lakh pensioners and cost the exchequer Rs 10,016 crore a year. Rates under older pay commissions were also revised.