Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the increase would take DA and DR from 60 per cent to 63 per cent of basic pay and pension, respectively, with effect from July 1, 2026. The government revises dearness allowance and dearness relief (DR) twice a year, in January and July, to help employees and pensioners cope with inflation. The increase will be effective from July 1, 2026, and is expected to benefit 48.