Srinagar, Apr 22:The Government of India has approved an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees, raising it from 58% to 60% of basic pay. The revision will be effective retrospectively from January 1, 2026.
The decision was announced through an Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Finance under its Department of Expenditure on April 22, 2026, from New Delhi. The order states that the enhancement has been approved by the President.
The revised DA will be calculated based on the basic pay as defined under the 7th Central Pay Commission framework, excluding special pay and other additional components. The allowance will continue to be treated as a separate element of remuneration and not as part of basic pay under existing financial rules.
The memorandum also clarifies rounding provisions: amounts involving 50 paise or more will be rounded up to the next rupee, while fractions below 50 paise will be disregarded.
The order applies to civilian employees paid from Defence Services Estimates, while separate notifications will be issued for Armed Forces personnel and railway employees by the respective ministries.
For employees of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the decision has been made in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
