DA Hike: Central government employees are eagerly awaiting an increase in their dearness allowance (DA) and Diwali bonus. The government is expected to announce the DA hike next week. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a 2 per cent increase in dearness allowance (DA) for PSU employees before Dussehra. The total dearness allowance (DA) received by Odisha PSU employees will increase from 53% to 55%, effective January 1, 2025. This decision by the state government will benefit approximately 8.5 lakh state government employees and pensioners.
Central government employees and pensioners are awaiting an increase in dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) before Diwali. Usually, the government announces this before Diwali, but this time, no official information regarding the DA hike has been shared yet. On Wednesday, the government approved the performance-based bonus for railway employees.
Cabinet Meeting
The Cabinet meeting held on September 24 approved a performance-linked bonus equivalent to 78 days’ salary for railway employees. However, no update was given regarding the DA or DR increase.
How much could the increase be?
If this increase is approved, DA/DR could increase by 3%. This rate would increase from 55% to 58%. This would directly increase the salaries and pensions of employees and pensioners.
Last Increase of the 7th Pay Commission
This revision, effective from July to December 2025, is considered the last increase under the 7th Pay Commission. The 8th Pay Commission is expected to be implemented from January 2026. Overall, millions of employees and pensioners are awaiting this government decision.