Divya Delhi:  Typically, the Union Cabinet meets  "The (DA/DR hike) is expected to be announced in the next meeting of the Union Cabinet," Rupak Sarkar, president of the Confederation of Central Government Employees and Workers, recently told NDTV Profit. This Holi, the national government might surprise its 1.2 crore workers and retirees. The central government may provide its workers and pensioners with good news today, March 12, according to media reports. Before the celebrations start, there is a lot of speculation that the government will raise the dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) for central government employees and pensioners. Additionally, the goal of raising DA and DR is to combat inflation. The DA/DR is therefore raised twice a year. January 1 marks the start of the first rise, and July 1 marks the start of the second. Notably, the 7th Pay Commission is used to pay central government employees and pensions. Arrears will be paid for the January–March period, and the Union Cabinet may declare a DA/DR raise during today's meeting as part of the Holi bonanza. Notably, the administration raised DA/DR by 3% to 53% in October of last year. An individual's minimum pay will increase by Rs 360 if the DA for January 2025 is raised by 2% and their present minimum basic wage of Rs 18,000 remains unchanged.