In a welcome move, the Indian government has announced a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees and pensioners, effective from July 1. This decision comes just in time for the festive season, bringing joy to more than 1 crore households. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that this adjustment follows a previous 4% increase in March, aligning with the Seventh Central Pay Commission's recommendations. The estimated annual financial implication of this move is Rs 9,448 crore.