1 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Apr 18, 2026 03:19 PM ISTDearness allowance (DA) is announced twice a year based on inflation data measured through the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI). (File Photo)The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved a 2 per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners.Dearness allowance (DA) is announced twice a year based on inflation data measured through the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI).The announcement comes amid wider concerns over the delay in the hike, with government employees seeking the release of the allowance and clearance of three months’ arrears.The last DA hike was approved on October 1, 2025, when the Union Cabinet sanctioned a 3% increase, raising Dearness Allowance from 55% to 58% of basic pay. This revision was made effective from July 1, 2025, and employees received arrears for the intervening months along with subsequent salary payments. The hike followed the routine biannual revision cycle and was based on inflation trends reflected in the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW). © IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Dearness allowance (DA)AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Live BlogUS Iran War News Live Updates: Tehran reimposes restrictions on Hormuz, accusing US of violating deal2 minutes agoRCB vs DC Live Score, IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to bat first after losing toss9 minutes agoBhoot Bangla Box Office Collection Day 1 LIVE Updates: Akshay Kumar-starrer earns Rs 23.9 cr, makes twice of Sky Force15 minutes agoDhurandhar 2 Worldwide Box Office Collection Day 30 Live Updates: Ranveer Singh-starrer drops to Rs 2.7 cr on 5th Friday, earns Rs 1,741.73 cr worldwide50 minutes agoAssembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Fadnavis targets Mamata over migration, denies attacks on Bengali migrants3 hours ago