New Delhi, September 29: Central government employees are eagerly awaiting the announcement of a Dearness Allowance (DA) hike, expected to raise their salaries. Although the official announcement is due in October 2024, no formal statement has been made so far. Last year, the DA hike was confirmed in early October, and this year, sources suggest a 3-4 per cent increase is likely before Diwali on 7th pay commission recommendations.

The DA hike will benefit entry-level central government employees, raising the salary of those with a basic monthly pay of INR 18,000 by INR 540-720, effective from July 1, 2024. An employee earning INR 30,000 per month, with INR 18,000 as basic pay, currently receives INR 9,000 in DA. With the expected 3 per cent hike, their DA would rise to INR 9,540; if the hike is 4 per cent, it would increase to INR 9,720. 7th Pay Commission: Central Govt Employees to Receive 3% DA Hike Ahead of Dussehra? Check Details Here.

The DA, given to government employees, and Dearness Relief (DR), provided to pensioners, are revised twice a year based on the All-India Consumer Price Index (AICPI). Over one crore central government employees and pensioners are currently receiving a 50 per cent DA. The last hike in March 2024 raised the DA and DR by 4 per cent. 7th Pay Commission Update: Uttar Pradesh Government Likely To Announce 4% DA Hike for Its Employees Before Centre, Says Report.

DA and DR adjustments are based on a formula using the AICPI data for the preceding 12 months. The government reviews the figures in January and July but typically announces changes in March and September. Meanwhile, employees are also looking forward to developments on the 8th Pay Commission, although no formal decision has been made yet.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2024 02:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).