DA of govt staff may rise 7%

Central government employees are likely to get enhanced dearness allowance (DA), owing to the rise in retail inflation.

The Union cabinet may discuss a proposal to raise the DA of central government employees by seven per cent, from 58 per cent of the basic and grade pay to 65 per cent, at a meeting scheduled for tomorrow. The increase is on account of the proportionate rise in the 12-month average of the consumer price index for industrial workers, as in December. Senior ministry officials said the cabinet could also discuss a proposal to release a part of the funds earmarked as additional compensation for Bhopal Gas Tragedy victims.