Cabinet has approved eight percent increase in Dearness Allowance for the employees and pensioners of the central government. Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Manish Tewari said that the hike would be effective from first of January this year.

Cabinet also approved 12 thousand crore rupees special package for Bihar under Backward Region Grant Fund. Mr. Tewari said that Bihar will get the funds over the next four years to spend on development works.

The Cabinet today also gave its approval for one month extension of the tenure of the one man Committee under Mr. Justice Mukal Mudgal from 1st of May to 31st of May this year. The Committee is inquiring into media reports concerning Walmart.