The hike beyond the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission is likely to be made first available to the Central Government employees of the lower-level.

2 percentage point increase in Dearness Relief for pensioners too approved

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod for 2 percentage point increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief for pensioners with effect from July 1. This is intended to compensate them for price rise in the economy.

NEW DELHI: The concept of "creamy layer" for one group of OBCs — wards of employees of PSUs — continues to be muddled. In keeping with past years, the government has again deprived reservation benefits to 29 successful OBCs in UPSC examinations for elite services like the IAS and IPS.

Twelve OBCs were left out of the UPSC list in 2012, 11 in 2015 and four in earlier years, as per the figures compiled by the aggrieved group.