Mumbai, September 18: Central government employees and pensioners, who have been eagerly waiting for an announcement on the dearness allowance (DA) hike in line with the 7th Pay Commission, might have to wait a bit longer. Initial reports suggested that the DA increase would be announced in the first week of September. However, recent updates indicate that the announcement regarding the DA Hike under the 7th Pay Commission is likely to be made closer to the Haryana assembly election 2024, which is scheduled for October 5, potentially to gain political leverage.

Traditionally, the DA hike is announced a week or two before the Diwali festival. This year, however, the announcement might come earlier due to the upcoming elections. Reports suggest that the Centre may announce the DA hike for central government staff and pensioners in the last week of September, just days before the Haryana Assembly polls. If confirmed, over 1 crore serving employees and pensioners could see their DA or dearness relief increase by up to 4%. 7th Pay Commission: Central Govt Employees to Receive 3% DA Hike Ahead of Dussehra? Check Details Here.

Update on DA Arrears Under 7th Pay Commission

In addition to the DA hike, central government employees are also awaiting an announcement on DA arrears. If the DA hike is announced by the end of September, employees can expect a salary/pension increase for October, which would include three months of arrears from July to September. 7th Pay Commission: DA Likely to Be Hiked by 3% For Central Govt Employees and Pensioners, Know How Much Salary Will Increase.

The central government typically adjusts DA and DR for employees and pensioners twice a year, in January and July, and usually makes announcements in early March and October.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 18, 2024 01:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).