DA Hike: The central government has recently announced an increase in the dearness allowance (DA Hike) of central government employees. DA was announced at the end of March for the January-June period.
DA Hike: The central government finally gave good news to central employees and pensioners on March 28. Yes, the dearness allowance (DA) of government employees and DR for pensioners has been increased by 2 percent. This decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi. Let us tell you that this decision to increase DA will come into effect from January 1, 2025, which will benefit more than 1 crore employees and pensioners.
When will the employees get DA arrears
This time the announcement of increase in DA has been made a little late. Usually the government makes this announcement before Holi or Diwali, but this time the increase for January-June was announced at the end of March.
DA of central employees increased the least in the last 7 years
This time DA has increased by only 2%, which is the lowest in the last 7 years. Usually the government has been increasing by 3% or 4%, but this time it was limited to only 2%.
Earlier, the government had increased DA from 50% to 53% for July-December 2024. Now it will become 55%.
How much will the salary and pension increase?
Under the 7th Pay Commission, the minimum basic salary of a central government employee is Rs 18,000. This 2% increase in DA will be Rs 360 more per month, which means that the arrears for three months (January to March 2025) will be Rs 1,080.
For pensioners getting a minimum basic salary of Rs 9,000, the arrears will be Rs 540, which will be given along with the pension of April 2025.
First hike after announcement of 8th Pay Commission
This is the first hike in DA after the announcement of the 8th Pay Commission. The government had announced the formation of the 8th Pay Commission on January 16, 2025, whose recommendations will come into effect from January 1, 2026.
It usually takes 1 year to prepare the recommendations of the Pay Commission, so the DA hike for July-December 2025 to be announced around Diwali this year will be the last under the 7th Pay Commission.
What next for central government employees?
The government will announce the DA hike for July-December 2025 in October-November 2025. After the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission recommendations, the DA will be added to the basic salary and then it will start from zero.
For now, the increased DA and the three-month arrears to be received in April will provide relief to government employees and pensioners. Now all eyes are on the 8th Pay Commission, as soon the government may announce the names of the members of the pay committee. This committee is expected to submit its report in 15 to 18 months. Based on the recommendations of the committee, the government will decide on the increase in salary and pension for central government employees and retirees.
