A hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief for government employees and pensioners was stopped by the government today, in view of the country's financial situation amid the coronavirus pandemic. Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief, however, will continue to be paid at the current rates. The freeze -- applicable from January -- will be on till June 2021, the government said. If the states follow the Centre's example, the combined savings will be 1.20 lakh crore, which will help in the battle against the coronavirus, the government said.
