The Economic Times

DA hike delay: Will central government raise dearness allowance in first week of April?

Central government employees and pensioners are awaiting the January 2026 Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) hike announcement. Despite expectations ahead of Holi and a late March cabinet meeting, no decision has been made. Experts suggest administrative complexities related to the 8th Pay Commission and fiscal balance calibration are causing the delay, with an announcement likely in early April.