Central Government Employees Anticipate 3% DA Hike Before Diwali

The expected announcement could bring a pay increase and three months' arrears for over one crore employees and pensioners.

The dearness allowance (DA) for central government employees is expected to rise from 50% to 53% of the basic salary.
The DA hike, typically announced twice a year, was delayed from July and may be declared before the end of October.
Employees and pensioners could receive arrears for July, August, and September along with their October pay.
The DA adjustment aims to help offset inflation and rising living costs, calculated using the All India Consumer Price Index.
Several state governments, including Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, have already announced DA hikes for their employees.