7th Pay Commission: DA Hike – BIG Salary Boost For Central Govt Employees Before Holi?

7th Pay Commissionm, holi bonus for central government employees, DA Hike – BIG Salary Boost For Central Govt Employees Before Holi: According to employee unions, the government is expected to announce an increase of 3-4% in the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for central government employees and pensioners. Currently, central government employees receive a minimum basic pay of Rs 18,000, while central government pensioners receive a minimum basic pension of Rs 9,000.

7th Pay Commission: Central Government Employees and Pensioners Set for a Holi Surprise

The central government is reportedly preparing to offer good news to its employees and pensioners ahead of this year's Holi celebrations, which fall on March 14. According to media reports, there is strong speculation that the government may announce an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for central government employees and pensioners before the festive season begins. This hike in DA and DR is expected to provide much-needed relief from inflation.

At present, central government employees and pensioners are paid according to the 7th Pay Commission. The DA/DR is revised twice annually—once effective from January 1 and again from July 1. Therefore, the first DA hike for 2025 will take effect on January 1, 2025. The official announcement regarding this increase may come in March 2025, and arrears will be paid to cover the period from January to March. In October 2024, the government had already raised DA/DR by 3%, bringing the total to 53%.

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7th Pay Commission: What’s The Expected DA/DR Increase?

Employee unions suggest that the government is likely to announce an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) by 3-4% for central government employees and pensioners. Currently, the minimum basic pay for central government employees stands at Rs 18,000, while pensioners receive a minimum basic pension of Rs 9,000.

Increase In The Basic Pay

For Employees

If an individual’s current minimum basic salary is Rs 18,000 and the Dearness Allowance (DA) for January 2025 is increased by 3%, their minimum salary will rise by Rs 540.

With the current DA rate of 53%, the total salary (basic pay + DA) amounts to Rs 27,540. However, if the DA increases to 56%, the total salary will increase to Rs 28,080.

If the DA is raised by 4%, bringing the total to 57%, the minimum salary will increase by Rs 720, resulting in a total monthly salary of Rs 28,260.

For Pensioners:

For a pensioner with a minimum basic pension of Rs 9,000, an increase of 3% in the DA for January 2025 will raise their pension by Rs 270.

With the current DA rate of 53%, the total pension (basic pension + DA) amounts to Rs 13,770. If the DA is increased to 56%, the pension will rise to Rs 14,040.

If the DA increase is 4%, bringing the DA to 57%, the pension will rise by Rs 360, giving a total pension of Rs 14,130 per month.