New Delhi, Oct. 20 -- Central government employees hoping for a festive salary boost are waiting for the Centre to announce the next dearness allowance (DA) hike. With Dussehra on 20 October and the next Union Cabinet meeting scheduled for 21 October, the key question is whether the government will approve the pending July revision after Vijayadashami.

The DA rate currently stands at 60% of basic pay following the previous revision in January 2026. The next increase could take it to 63%, according to estimates based on inflation data. However, the government has not officially confirmed the proposed hike or its announcement date.

The Cabinet meeting on 21 October is the next date central government employees are watching. Expectations o...