DA will improve for central government employees and pensioners because several states have announced hikes before Diwali. It was agreed in the cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on October 16, 2024, that the DA has already been adjusted at 3% taking it to 53% while earlier it used to be 50%. This is to afford our employees a ‘’festive season’’ boost financially with the expectation that the turno[ver] would also improve to cover the costs incurred.
Accordingly, five states have emulated this and have announced bonus to their government employees and pensioners as early Diwali gift. Here’s a detailed overview of the DA hikes implemented by these states:
1. Chhattisgarh
The DA was raised to 50% chief minister Vishnu deo sai announced 4% increase in DA. This decision shall take effect starting from 1st October 2024 which is timely for the employees, especially during festivities.
2. Odisha
The state government of Odisha has also proposed to raise the DA by 4 percent from the said date, ie one January 2024. The government has issued a formal notification on it to make sure that state employees get their entitled incentives before the New Year.
3. Himachal Pradesh
To substantiate this, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu himself had also made a festival like announcement of 4% DA increase from January 1, 2023. This increase will not only affect the current live employees, but it also provides arrears for pensioners. In addition, a circular was recently sent to ensure that all medical expenses for all civil servants and pensioners who are 75 years old and above is paid.
4. Sikkim
The Sikkim government raised the DA from 46 % to 50% during the Durga Puja festival. This shall be effective from 1st of January 2024, shall also include contract workers making more financial relief for all the state employees.
5. Jharkhand
The Jharkhand government has agreed to enhance DA hiked by 9% so that present rate is 230% is altered to 239%. This increase is also expected to commence from the beginning of the year 2024, which for a long time will enhance the financial position of state government employees.
