During the Holi season, state government employees and pensioners under the Sixth Pay Commission have received great news. The government has announced a 7% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) in one go. Additionally, sources reveal that pending DA arrears for the last eight months will also be paid in cash. This article provides complete details about the scheme, including eligibility, payment timelines, and its impact on employees.
DA increased from 239% to 246%
Till now, employees were receiving a dearness allowance at the rate of 239%. However, this has now been increased to 246%. The new rate will be implemented from July 2024, and the arrears will be paid along with the March salary, according to sources. This announcement has brought great joy to government employees.
Employees Awaiting Central Government’s Decision
This DA hike has been announced by the Jammu and Kashmir government. Usually, the central government announces a DA increase before Holi, but no official announcement has been made yet. This has raised expectations among central government employees.
DA Hike: 8वें वेतन आयोग को लेकर सरकारी कर्मचारियों की उम्मीदों को झटका लग सकता है. रिपोर्ट्स के मुताबिक, इस बार महंगाई भत्ता (DA) बढ़ोतरी बीते 7 वर्षों में सबसे कम हो सकती है.https://t.co/DNesxvx1mu#DAHike #GovtEmployees #govtjobs pic.twitter.com/UDXBdWwBTZ
— JagranJosh India (@Jagranjosh) March 13, 2025
DA Situation in West Bengal
Government employees in West Bengal are currently receiving only 14% DA, which is significantly lower than other states. Recently, the government announced a 4% DA increase, effective from April. However, the overall DA rate in the state remains low, causing dissatisfaction among employees.
#DAHike: क्या 7 साल के बाद पहली बार सबसे कम बढ़ेगा महंगाई भत्ता? सरकार जल्द करेगी ऐलानhttps://t.co/vXpqhiN6kj#dahike #holi #moneycontrol pic.twitter.com/nGV3f5eb1H
— Moneycontrol Hindi (@MoneycontrolH) March 12, 2025
Importance of the DA Hike
With rising inflation and increasing prices of essential goods, a DA hike has become crucial. It provides financial security to government employees and improves their standard of living. The Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision ahead of Holi has brought relief, and now all eyes are on the central government’s next move.
