New Delhi, Oct. 25 -- The festive season is in full swing across the nation now, with the Dussehra and Durga Puja festivities just concluding as we build towards Diwali in November. Central government employees and pensioners are awaiting an announcement and the final confirmation on the July 2026 dearness allowance (DA) hike.

Expectations among central government employees and pensioners are mounting ahead of Diwali on 8 November, as they continue to seek a meaningful revision to help them combat rising inflation and manage day-to-day finances more effectively.

Still, whether the centre will notify the revised rate before the festival remains uncertain, and eligible beneficiaries should not treat any unofficial announcement on any plat...