4,355.35 crore in a full year and Rs.2,903.55 crore in the financial year 2009-2010,' she added.

'The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission,' Soni said.

The minister, however, parried a query on why the government was raising the dearness allowance in a situation where inflation was in the negative zone.

'I will answer your question later,' she said and moved on to the next item.

The government Thursday announced that India's annual rate of inflation was minus 0.12 percent for the week ended Aug 29.