New Delhi, Oct. 18 -- Central government employees awaiting a dearness allowance (DA) hike could receive a higher monthly salary and arrears if the Centre approves the pending July 2026 revision before Diwali. A 3-percentage-point increase is expected to take DA from 60% to 63% of basic pay, although the government has yet to announce the revision officially.

With Diwali falling on 8 November, employees and pensioners are hoping for a festive-season announcement. The Union Cabinet did not announce the pending DA and Dearness Relief (DR) revision at its 14 October meeting, leaving the next decision uncertain.

For employees, the amount at stake depends on their basic pay. A 3-percentage-point increase would add Rs.540 a month for someone ...