Divya Delhi: The 7th Pay Commission's Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) were raised 2% by the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March. This increase took effect January 1, 2025. This adjustment raises the DA/DR for nearly 1 crore central government employees and pensioners to 55%. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “The Union approved to release of an additional instalment of DA to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners w.e.f. 01.01.2025 representing an increase of 2% over the existing rate of 53% of the Basic Pay/Pension, to compensate against price rise.” The central government also paid employees and pensions for January–March arrears. Notably, the central government raises the DA/DR twice a year, on January 1 and July 1. Government employees and pensioners will receive a pay increase on July 1, but the announcement will be later.