New Delhi, 28 October (H.S.): The Union Government has announced a Diwali gift for central government employees and pensioners by approving a 3 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR). The increase will be effective from July 1, 2026.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal on Wednesday.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision during a press conference at the National Media Centre. He said the increase would benefit approximately 48.54 lakh central government employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners.

The revision is expected to impose an additional annual burden of Rs. 10,016.10 crore on the government exchequer.

“On behalf of the Prime Minister, this is a Diwali gift for 48 lakh central government employees and 68 lakh pensioners, with an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR),” Vaishnaw said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar