Punjab CM Mann announces 3 per cent DA hike for employees and pensioners
The announcement, described as a Diwali gift, will bring the total dearness allowance rate to 53 per cent.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced an additional 3 per cent dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees and pensioners. According to The Indian Express, the move is intended as a Diwali gift for approximately 8 lakh beneficiaries.
The latest hike will take the DA rate to 53 per cent, up from the previous 50 per cent. This follows an 8 per cent increase announced in September, marking a cumulative 11 per cent increase within two months. The revised amount is expected to be reflected in December salaries and pensions.
Mann stated that the increase would provide an annual financial benefit of approximately Rs 3,988 crore. He described employees and pensioners as the backbone of the government and the administrative machinery.
The announcement comes as the state faces outstanding DA and dearness relief (DR) arrears amounting to Rs 22,818 crore for the period from January 1, 2021, to September 30, 2026. This issue of non-payment of arrears is currently pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The Chief Minister also noted that his government has provided 71,777 government jobs on merit over the last four years and nine months. He added that his administration remains committed to the welfare and rights of employees.