Central government hikes DA, DR to 60% for staff, pensioners
India
The government just bumped up Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), which help employees and pensioners keep up with rising prices.
These updates happen twice a year, based on how much everyday costs are going up across India.
States match DA hike, address arrears
From January 1, 2026, central government staff and pensioners get a 2% hike, so DA and DR now stand at 60% of basic pay.
Indian Railways and bank employees saw similar boosts in May. States like Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu matched the increase too.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra is paying off pending arrears, Karnataka unions are pushing for bigger raises and overdue payments, West Bengal is following a Supreme Court order to revise old dues, and Punjab might pay out revised arrears soon.