The ministry of labour and employment on Friday announced a hike in the variable dearness allowance. This will be applicable to workers in the railway administration, mines, oil fields, ports and other sectors in the central govt. The move is expected to benefit about 1.5 crore workers. The hike will be effective retrospectively from April 1, 2021. It will range from Rs 105 per day to Rs 210 per day, depending on a worker’s occupation and geographical location. The hike will also be applicable equally to all contractual and casual workers.