Tue Dec 03 00:08:27 UTC 2024: ## Central Government Employees Face Possible Disappointment in January 2025 Dearness Allowance Increase

**New Delhi, [Date of Publication]** – Central government employees and pensioners may face a significant setback in January 2025, with the projected increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) being the lowest in three years. While the current DA stands at 54.49%, the anticipated increase based on September 2024’s All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) data is only 2-3%.

The government revises DA every six months based on AICPI. The AICPI index reached 143.3 by September 2024, leading to the current 54.49% DA. However, October, November, and December’s data is yet to be released, causing a delay in the calculation. Current trends suggest that the October AICPI might reach 143.6, resulting in a DA of 54.96%. Even with the projected December AICPI reaching 144.6, the DA is likely to reach only 55.91%.

This translates to a meager 2-3% increase in January 2025, considerably lower than previous hikes. While the 6th and 7th Pay Commissions brought salary increases, this minimal DA increase could disappoint central government employees who were anticipating a more substantial rise in their allowance in the new year. The government’s consideration of providing additional pension benefits to those aged 80 and above is noted as a separate matter.

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