Bhubaneswar, Oct. 28 -- The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners. The decision is expected to benefit over 1.16 crore people ahead of the festive season.

The revised rates will take effect from July 1, 2026, according to PTI.

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The hike will benefit approximately 48 lakh central government employees and 68 lakh pensioners, with the government allocating Rs 10,016 crore for the revision.

The latest revision follows the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission. DA helps government employees offset inflatio...