The employees will now get 22 pc DA from Jan 2009 compared to the earlier 16 pc implemented after the sixth pay commission. But the burden on the exchequer will now come over to Rs 3,534 crore. OneIndia NewsNew Delhi, Feb 26: The government of India announced a hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) by 6 per cent as a major election sop to woo the central government employees. P Chidambaram, the Union Home Minister said that the Cabinet decided to give the DA from Jan 2009.Advertisement