Giving big relief to its employees and pensioners, the Kerala government has announced a 10% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR). After this DA and DR have increased from 25% to 35%. An official order in this regard was issued on 20 February 2026. For those employees and pensioners who are still drawing salary and pension under the old pay scale (pre-revised pay scale), DA/DR has also been increased by 10%.
Who will get the benefit?
According to the government order, state government employees, teachers, aided school employees, private college and polytechnic staff, full-time contingent employees, local body employees, pensioners, family pensioners and ex-gratia recipients will be able to avail the benefit of this increase.
In the order issued by the Finance Department (Pay Research Unit), it has also been said that part-time teachers, part-time contingent employees and re-appointed pensioners will also get increased DA.
Revised rates for old pay scale employees
The new rates of DA for employees receiving salary under the old pay revision orders are as follows.
GO(P) No.07/2016 72%
GO(P) No.85/2011 230%
GO(P) No.145/2006 466%
GO(P) No.3000/1998 525%
Similarly, the DR rates for pensioners under the old pension amendment orders have also been increased equally.
When will you get the increased money?
The increased DA will be given along with the salary of March 2026, which will be received in April 2026. Whereas DR will be given along with the pension of April 2026. Separate orders will be issued regarding the arrears.
Rules for PSUs and other institutions
According to the government order, PSUs, autonomous institutions and boards can also avail the benefit of this increase, but they will have to keep in mind their financial condition. Institutions which are instructed to issue separate DA/DR orders will follow their existing procedure.