The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.07.2019 representing an increase of 5% over the existing rate of 12% of the Basic pay/Pension, to compensate for price rise.  This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the 7^th Central Pay Commission. 

The combined impact on the exchequer on account of both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief would be ₹ 15909.35 crore per annum and ₹ 10606.20 crore in the financial year 2019-20 (for a period of 08 months from July, 2019 to February, 2020).  This will benefit about 49.93 lakh Central Government employees and 65.26 lakh pensioners.

The additional financial implication on account of this increase in Dearness Allowance is estimated at ₹ 8590.20 Crore per year; and ₹ 5726.80 Crore in the current Financial Year of 2019-20 (for 8 months from July 2019 to February 2020).

The additional financial implication on account of the Dearness Relief to pensioners is estimated to be ₹ 7319.15 Crore per annum and ₹ 4870 Crore in the current FY.

Dear Allowance/Dearness Relief is paid to Central Government employees/pensioners to adjust the cost of living and to protect their basic pay/pension from erosion in the real value. Dear Allowance/Dearness Relief is revised twice a year from 1^st January and 1st July.

Dearness Allowance increase authorised, raising central pay and pension adjustments effective July under 7th CPC formula. Approval was given to increase Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief by five percentage points effective 01.07.2019 under the 7th Central Pay Commission formula, applying to Central Government employees and pensioners; DA/DR are revised twice yearly to adjust for cost of living and protect basic pay and pensions.