Gujarat government increases dearness allowance by 3 per cent
Over 9.7 lakh employees and pensioners will receive Rs 523 crore in arrears alongside their November salaries.
The Gujarat government on Wednesday announced a 3 per cent increase in dearness allowance (DA) for more than 9.7 lakh pensioners and serving employees, according to The Times of India.
Effective from July 1, 2026, the increase will benefit approximately 4.6 lakh active staff and over 5 lakh pensioners. The state will pay Rs 523 crore in arrears for four months in one instalment with the November salary.
State government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani told reporters that the move aligns the state's DA rate with the revised rate of the Centre. The announcement was made during a weekly cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The cabinet also approved an insurance project for 1 lakh livestock under the National Livestock Mission. Owners will pay Rs 229 for a year of cover worth up to Rs 40,000, while the state provides an 85 per cent subsidy of Rs 1,300.
Additionally, the cabinet gave in-principle approval to build a fish landing centre at Shiyalbet island in Amreli district. The facility, intended for more than 1,100 fishermen, will include a pile jetty, stone bunds, and reclamation works.
The state will also observe Janjatiya Gaurav Divas and Janjatiya Gaurav Week to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Celebrations are scheduled for November 15 across 14 tribal districts, with the state-level event held in Chhota Udepur district.