Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced a 3% hike in DA and DR for employees and pensioners effective October 1, 2025. The Rs.125 crore decision, declared before Durga Puja, raises DA to 36%, benefiting thousands across the state.
In a much-awaited announcement ahead of the festive season, Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday declared a 3 percent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for government employees and pensioners. The decision, which will take effect from October 1, 2025, has been described as a Durga Puja gift for the state’s employees and retired personnel.
The Chief Minister made the announcement on the final day of the eighth session of the 13th Tripura Legislative Assembly. Addressing the House, Dr. Saha said the state government would require an additional expenditure of nearly Rs. 125 crore to implement the decision.
“This government is employee-friendly. We aim to support not only the employees but also every citizen of Tripura. Earlier, after I took office, we had already ensured a significant 29 percent hike in DA, and today, despite financial constraints, we are adding another 3 percent. Even a 1 percent increase costs around Rs. 100 crore, yet we have taken this decision because it is important to value and recognize the contribution of employees,” Dr. Saha said.
Bridging the Gap with the Centre
The Chief Minister further pointed out that since the formation of the BJP-led government in Tripura, multiple DA revisions have been announced, gradually reducing the gap between the state and central government allowances. With this latest hike, the DA for state employees now stands at 36 percent.
The move is expected to provide relief to thousands of serving employees and pensioners, ensuring that their purchasing power improves, particularly during the festive season when household expenses tend to rise. Economists have noted that DA hikes also contribute positively to the local economy, as higher disposable income among government staff often translates into higher consumer spending.
Symbolic Gesture During Festive Season
The timing of the announcement is significant, coming just before the Durga Puja celebrations. In Tripura, like in much of eastern India, Durga Puja is more than a religious festival—it is a season of community, celebration, and economic activity. The hike is likely to boost sentiments among employees and pensioners, many of whom rely on festive bonuses and allowance revisions to manage additional expenses during the period.
Political observers believe that such measures are part of the BJP-led government’s strategy to consolidate goodwill among state employees and the broader public. Dr. Saha’s repeated emphasis on financial challenges highlights the balancing act between populist welfare measures and fiscal prudence.
Smooth Conduct of Assembly Session
Apart from the announcement, the Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to all members for the smooth conduct of the assembly’s proceedings. Discussions held during the eighth session of the legislative assembly touched upon a wide range of public welfare topics, further underlining the state government’s focus on development-oriented governance.
Dr. Saha remarked that good governance is not only about creating policies but also about ensuring that those at the heart of administration—the employees—feel recognized and motivated. “When employees are valued, they work with greater dedication. This translates into better service delivery for the public,” he noted.
Employee-Friendly Governance
Since taking charge, the Chief Minister has consistently positioned his administration as employee-centric. The multiple DA hikes under his tenure demonstrate a commitment to narrowing disparities and improving living conditions for government workers and pensioners.
While challenges remain on the fiscal front, the decision to allocate Rs. 125 crore toward the latest DA hike sends a clear message about prioritizing employee welfare. With inflationary pressures affecting household budgets, such increases are often viewed as vital support for maintaining the standard of living.
The announcement of a 3 percent hike in DA and DR marks another step in the Tripura government’s efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with welfare-oriented decisions. By declaring the increase just ahead of Durga Puja, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has not only addressed the financial needs of government employees and pensioners but has also sent a symbolic message of goodwill during one of the most significant cultural celebrations in the state.
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With this decision, the DA for Tripura government employees now stands at 36 percent, reflecting both the administration’s employee-friendly approach and its commitment to gradually aligning with central standards.
As the festive season begins, thousands of families across Tripura will welcome this financial relief, reinforcing the Chief Minister’s assertion that the government remains dedicated to the welfare of its people despite financial constraints.
