DA Hike: Big news for government employees. Himachal Pradesh state employees are eagerly waiting for their DA announcement, and there’s encouraging news on the horizon. State Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu shared at a public gathering in Kaza that the government is looking into releasing the upcoming dearness allowance installment ahead of Diwali. The Chief Minister was visiting Spiti Valley as part of a two-day tour.
DA Hike Update
At present, Himachal Pradesh state employees receive 45 percent DA, with many pushing for an increase to 60 percent. Various organizations have called for an 8 percent DA hike, matching Punjab’s approach. For context, the central government currently extends 60 percent DA to its employees. The central government’s most recent DA increase was 2 percent.
The CM has been actively discussing DA matters since July
Back in July, the Chief Minister mentioned that the state government was conducting a review meeting to address DA and outstanding arrears. Detailed conversations took place with the Finance Ministry about the state’s financial standing.
Come August, Sukhu revisited the DA topic. On this occasion, he reassured employees and pensioners that DA payments would arrive promptly. He also pledged to settle full arrears, leave encashment, and gratuity payments.
The Chief Minister further announced that Class 4 employees who retired between January 1, 2016, and January 31, 2022, would get an extra Rs 20,000. He also noted that directives were issued to revise the pay rules for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 pensioners.
Instructions to increase the salary of contract medical officers by 78%
In early August, the state government implemented a 78 percent salary boost for contract and trainee medical officers. This adjustment was aligned with the 7th Pay Commission guidelines. As a result, contract and trainee medical officers saw their monthly pay jump from Rs 33,600 to Rs 60,000.