Several state governments have raised dearness allowance for employees and pensioners ahead of Diwali.
The Karnataka and Arunachal Pradesh state governments have increased dearness allowance (DA) for employees and pensioners, according to reports from Mint and Bhaskar English. In Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government has also raised the DA from 60 per cent to 63 per cent.
Karnataka hiked the DA and dearness relief (DR) for employees and pensioners drawing salaries under the 2024 Revised Pay Scales by 2.5 per cent, from 15.75 per cent to 18 per cent. This change is effective from 1 July 2026, as reported by PTI. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara stated that the enhancement is a recognition of the contribution of employees and pensioners.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Friday that the state increased DA and DR by 3 per cent, from 60 per cent to 63 per cent. The hike is effective from 1 July 2026 and will benefit All India Services officers serving under the state government. Arrears for the period from July to October will be paid in cash and credited to respective accounts.
In Uttar Pradesh, the 3 per cent increase will benefit 1.6 million employees and 1.2 million pensioners. The enhanced allowance will be effective retrospectively from 1 July 2026 and will be paid with November salaries. Arrears for July to October will be credited to PF accounts for employees, while pensioners will receive arrears in their pension accounts.
The Maharashtra government has also issued a circular declaring Monday, November 9, 2026, as an additional local holiday for state and semi-government offices in Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban districts.
