In a significant move aimed at boosting the morale of central government employees, the Union Government has approved a 3 per cent increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) ahead of the Diwali festivities. This decision is expected to directly benefit millions of central government employees and pensioners in the country. During a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the DA hike was effective from July 1, 2024.