Overview
- The Union Cabinet, which met Wednesday, cleared major power projects in Arunachal Pradesh but took no decision on the dearness allowance for central staff.
- Based on the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, the next DA rate is expected to rise by 2 percentage points from 58% to 60%.
- Any approved change would apply from January 1, 2026, with arrears paid after the government issues the notification.
- Experts say the delay relates to aligning processes under the new 8th Pay Commission rather than a freeze, and they expect the order by the second week of April.
- Employees and pensioners report rising anxiety as this becomes the longest wait for a January DA order since the 7th Pay Commission era.