The government today increased dearness allowance (DA) by 6 per cent to 51 per cent, benefiting over 50 lakh central government employees and 38 lakh pensioners.
“The decision to hike DA was taken by the Union Cabinet at its meeting here,” a Union minister said.
The combined impact of the hike will be Rs 5,715.90 crore per annum. However in the next financial year, the burden on the exchequer would be Rs 6,668.52 crore after the additional 6 per cent DA payout is factored in from January 1 to March 31 this year.
The increased DA, which will be effective from January 1, is provided to government staff and pensioners to compensate them for rising prices.
Presently, the DA is paid at 45 per cent of basic pay.The increase in DA by 6 per cent would be in accordance withthe formula prescribed by the Sixth Pay Commission for central government employees.