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2% DA hike to push pay for Level 1 to 18 workers higher in January 2026
Economy
Published on 24 April 2026
DA rises from 58 to 60 percent for millions
Central government employees and pensioners are set to benefit from a 2% dearness allowance hike, taking DA from 58% to 60% and increasing dearness relief for pensioners to 60% as well. The revised rates are for January 2026, with arrears expected from the applicable back date, boosting take-home pay and pensions.
- DA for central employees rises by 2 percentage points
- Rate moves from 58% to 60% effective January 2026
- Pensioners get matching dearness relief increase to 60%
- Arrears will be paid from the back date
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times