Central government employees and retirees are eagerly awaiting the increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) that was due from January 1, 2026. The delay in announcing this hike has raised concerns, prompting employee representatives to urge swift action from the government.
Shiva Gopal Mishra, the Secretary of the National Council (Joint Consultative Machinery) staff side, penned a letter to the Cabinet Secretary on April 13, 2026, drawing attention to the issue. Typically, the DA/DR installment is announced in late March each year, but this year, there has been no official communication, causing uncertainty among employees and retirees.
The delay has caused growing unease and disappointment among the workforce. Employees and retirees were anticipating the timely announcement of the hike, following past practices. DA and DR play crucial roles in income, particularly during periods of escalating prices, and any delay directly impacts monthly financial plans and budgets.
Mishra has appealed to the Cabinet Secretary to step in and ensure the prompt declaration of the DA/DR installment due from January 1, 2026, without further delay. Stressing the importance of a timely announcement, the staff side believes it will help instill confidence and allay concerns among the numerous central government employees and retirees.
Despite the staff’s plea, there has been no official response from the government yet. Employees are hopeful that the government will address the matter promptly and announce the pending DA/DR hike in the near future.