Following the Union Government’s recent decision to increase the Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees by 3%, speculation is rife that the State Government may soon announce a similar DA hike for its employees. Hopes are high that the announcement will come before Diwali, bringing financial relief to State Government employees and pensioners.
These speculations gained traction after Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, in a recent media interaction, confirmed that the Dr. Manik Saha-led government is seriously considering an increase in DA. While Singha Roy did not disclose the exact percentage of the possible hike, sources suggest that a 3% increase, in line with the Centre’s decision, is likely.
The Union Cabinet recently approved a 3% hike in DA and Dearness Relief (DR) for central government employees and pensioners, effective from July 1. This increased the DA for central employees from 50% to 53%. The Centre’s move has raised expectations that the State Government, led by the BJP, may follow suit and announce a similar DA hike as a festive gesture.
While there is no official confirmation on the exact percentage of the increase for state employees, some insiders believe the State Government might consider a hike of more than 3% to narrow the gap with central government DA levels, which now stand at 53%.
Since the BJP came to power, state employees have received a total of 23% in DA hikes, with the last increase of 3% implemented in 2023. As Diwali approaches, an additional increase would serve as a much-anticipated financial boost for the state’s workforce.
