New Delhi. More than 50 lakh central government employees and about 70 lakh pensioners are waiting for the increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for July 2026. Meanwhile, it is expected that the government may take a decision on this in the cabinet meeting to be held on 21 October 2026. However, no official announcement has been made by the government yet.
Dearness allowance is given on the basis of basic salary of central employees, while pensioners get dearness relief. The objective of both is to reduce the impact of rising inflation. There was no decision on this increase in the last cabinet meeting, so the eyes of the employees and pensioners are now fixed on the next meeting.
Expected 4 percent increase in DA
At present, DA of central employees is said to be 60 percent of the basic salary. It is estimated that this time it may increase by 4 percent. If this happens, dearness allowance can increase to 64 percent. Accordingly, there will be a possibility of increase in dearness relief for eligible pensioners.
President of All India New Pension Scheme Employees Federation, Manjit Patel has also expressed hope of at least 4 percent increase this time. However, the final decision has to be taken by the government. Employees and pensioners will have to wait for the official announcement.