Diwali bonanza for central govt employees as Cabinet approves DA hike. The government revises dearness allowance and dearness relief (DR) twice a year, in January and July, to help employees and pensioners cope with inflation. For employees and pensioners under the 6th CPC pay scales, DA and DR have been increased by 7 percentage points, from 262% to 269% of basic pay and pension, respectively, effective July 1, 2026.