The government on Wednesday approved a hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) benefits given to central government employees and pensioners from 17 per cent to 28 per cent. Sources confirmed that the Union Cabinet has taken a decision to hike DA and DR after it was put on hold last year. The development is a major relief for lakhs of central government employees and pensioners who have been waiting for the announcement for months.

The government on Wednesday approved a hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) benefits given to central government employees and pensioners from 17 per cent to 28 per cent. Sources confirmed that the Union Cabinet has taken a decision to hike DA and DR after it was put on hold last year. The development is a major relief for lakhs of central government employees and pensioners who have been waiting for the announcement for months.