New Delhi, Oct. 11 -- Pensioners are retired central and state government employees, who are eligible for individual or family pension from the government. This is in continuance of their salaries and comprises a dedicated percentage towards inflation. This component is known as Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees, and Dearness Relief (DR) for pension.

DR is often paid to retired central and state government employees, railways and defence personnel, public sector staff, and bank employees across the country. The beneficiaries include close to 65 lakh pensioners across various pay scales.

Notably, in India, DA and DR are provided only to public sector employees and retirees. The private sector does not offer the same for employees or ...