Telangana & Punjab Announce DA Hikes For Govt Employees

In a festive gesture ahead of Diwali, both the Telangana and Punjab governments have announced hikes in Dearness Allowance (DA) for their government employees and pensioners, providing a financial boost to thousands of families across both states.

The Telangana government declared a 3.64 per cent DA increase, with the revised DA now set at 26.39 per cent of basic pay, effective from July 2022. This adjustment, announced as a “Diwali Gift” for employees, is expected to be deposited in November. The enhanced DA is set to benefit a wide range of public employees, including teaching and non-teaching staff in Aided Institutions and universities. However, officials noted that the move, though a single DA revision, will place an additional burden of approximately ₹200 crore monthly on the state’s finances. Telangana employees had been pressing for the release of all five pending DAs, with the government agreeing to release one DA in light of the state's fiscal situation.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced a 4 per cent increase in DA for the state’s government employees and pensioners, which raises the DA from 38 to 42 per cent, effective November 1, 2024. This revision aims to support over 6.5 lakh employees and pensioners, adding a significant benefit just ahead of Diwali. The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting its public servants, affirming that employee welfare remains a top priority for his administration.

Both state governments’ announcements reflect a broader trend of DA hikes across India, aligning public sector compensation with inflation and rising living costs. These DA revisions are expected to provide timely financial relief, reinforcing government support for public sector employees and their families during the festive season.