In a move impacting nearly 115 lakh central government employees and pensioners, the Union Cabinet has approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance effective January 2025. Arrears for the early months will be included in upcoming salaries. This change raises the DA to 55% of basic pay. The 8th Pay Commission, recently formed, is expected to recommend further revisions to the pay structure by early 2026.
As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget 2025-26, anticipation builds in the financial sector, with significant effects predicted for the share market. Economic indicators show a potential growth rate between 6.3-6.8% for India. Prior to the budget announcement, the stock indices saw a notable rise, pointing to potential optimism. Key budget measures might aim at alleviating middle-class financial pressures and strengthening fiscal prudence.