Union Cabinet has approved additional Dearness Allowance, DA of  three percent over the existing rate of nine percent of the basic pay or pension to Central government  employees and pensioners. <br />''<br />''Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said,  it will be effective  from 1st January this year. <br />''<br />''This will benefit about 48.41 lakh Central Government employees and 62.03 lakh pensioners. <br />''<br />''This increase is in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.<br />''<br />''In an another decision, the Cabinet has approved the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin  beyond March, 2019.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">A total target for construction of 1.95 crore houses has been  set under  this second  Phase till  2022.</span><br />