Central Govt Employees DA Hike: 2% Increase Expected, Arrears from Jan 1, 2026

• Central government employees may see a 2% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike, increasing it from 58% to 60%.
• The proposal for the DA increase is expected to be greenlit in the Union Cabinet meeting in the second week of April.
• The increase will be effective from January 1, 2026, with employees receiving accumulated arrears.
• This will be the first DA increase after the transition from the 7th to the 8th Pay Commission.
• The decision will impact over 1 crore central employees and pensioners, providing financial relief amidst rising inflation.