Wed Oct 16 09:42:17 UTC 2024: ## Modi Government Announces 3% DA Hike for Central Employees, Boosting Diwali Cheer
**New Delhi:** Ahead of Diwali, the Narendra Modi government has announced a significant 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees, effectively raising the DA to 53%. This is the second DA hike this year, following a 4% increase in March.
The latest DA hike will be applicable from July 1, 2024, resulting in a substantial boost to the salaries of central government employees. They will also receive a three-month arrears for July, August, and September, making their Diwali bonus even bigger.
The DA hike, calculated based on the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI), is aimed at offsetting the impact of rising inflation. The government has also announced an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rabi crops, offering a double Diwali gift to farmers.
The MSP for wheat has been increased by ₹150 per quintal to ₹2,425, while the MSP for mustard has been increased by ₹300 per quintal to ₹5,950. The MSP for chickpeas has also been raised by ₹210 per quintal, reaching ₹5,650.
This move will not only enhance the financial well-being of central government employees but also provide much-needed support to farmers during the upcoming harvest season. The combination of DA hike and MSP increase is expected to boost consumer sentiment and contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.