The Department of Posts has announced an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) with effect from January 1, 2026. According to an order issued on May 10, 2026, by the Department of Posts, GDS employees will now receive DA at the rate of 60% of their basic Time Related Continuity Allowance (TRCA), in line with the rates applicable to central government employees.
“Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) have also become entitled to the payment of Dearness Allowances on basic TRCA at the same rates as applicable to central government employees with effect from January 1, 2026. It has, therefore, been decided that the DA payable to Gramin Dak Sevaks shall be at the same rates as payable to central government employees, i.e., @ 60% with effect from January 1, 2026,” the order further says.
The Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, also approved another instalment of DA for central government employees through an Office Memorandum dated April 22, 2026. Following this, the Department of Posts confirmed that Gramin Dak Sevaks are also entitled to DA at the revised rate.
Here is an illustration of how the revised DA may impact the total salary of Gramin Dak Sevaks:
| Basic salary | DA at 60% | Total salary |
| Rs 10,000 | Rs 6,000 | Rs 16,000 |
| Rs 12,500 | Rs 7,500 | Rs 20,000 |
| Rs 15,000 | Rs 9,000 | Rs 24,000 |
| Rs 17,500 | Rs 10,500 | Rs 28,000 |
| Rs 20,000 | Rs 12,000 | Rs 32,000 |
| Rs 22,500 | Rs 13,500 | Rs 36,000 |
| Rs 25,000 | Rs 15,000 | Rs 40,000 |
For example, a GDS employee drawing a basic salary of Rs 20,000 will now receive Rs 12,000 as DA, taking the total monthly salary to Rs 32,000. Similarly, a GDS employee with a basic salary of Rs 25,000 will receive Rs 15,000 as DA, increasing the total salary to Rs 40,000.
What is DA?
DA is a cost-of-living adjustment allowance paid to government employees, public sector employees and pensioners in India.
DA for central government employees and DR for pensioners would be enhanced to 60% of the basic pay/pension starting January 1, 2026. The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase from the previous 58% on April 18, 2026, to compensate for growing prices.
