DA Hike 2026: This state increased dearness allowance by 10% for government employees, salary of pensioners will also increase

News India Live, Digital Desk: Amidst rising inflation in the country, a big good news has emerged for government employees and pensioners. The Kerala government has announced a huge 10% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for its employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners. After the official order issued on 20 February 2026, now there is a smile on the faces of lakhs of families in the state.1. DA (New DA Rates) increased from 25% to 35%. After this decision of the Kerala Government, the dearness allowance given to the state employees will now be 35% of their basic pay. Earlier this rate was 25%. When will it be applicable: The increased dearness allowance will be linked with the salary of March 2026, which will be paid in the beginning of April. Benefit to pensioners: Enhanced dearness relief (DR) will be given to pensioners along with the pension of April 2026.2. Who will get the benefit? (Beneficiaries List) This decision of the government will be widely benefited: Regular employees and teachers of the state government. Non-teaching staff of aided schools, colleges and polytechnics. Employees of local bodies. Full-time contingent employees. Family pensioners and ‘ex-gratia’ beneficiaries. 3. Arrears & ConditionsAs per the government order, a separate order regarding payment of arrears of DA and DR will be issued later. Exception: This increase will not be immediately applicable to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC); Separate instructions will be issued for them.Own resources: Local bodies will have to bear this additional expenditure from their own funds.4. Will the central government also give ‘Holi gift’? (Central Govt DA Update) After this step of Kerala Government, now all eyes are on the Central Government. Holi festival is on March 3, 2026 and it is expected that the Center may also announce a DA increase of 2% to 3% for its employees. If this happens, DA of central employees can reach 60%. Summary: Purchasing power of employees will increase DescriptionOld rateNew rate (Kerala)Effective dateDearness Allowance (DA)25%35%March 2026 (Salary)Dearness Relief (DR)25%35%April 2026 (Pension)