The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhkhoo-led government of Himachal Pradesh presented its second budget of ₹58,444 crores for its tenure, announcing a 4% Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees starting from April 1st. This means that employees will receive the increased DA benefits from May onwards. Approximately ₹580 crores will be spent annually on this increase.
Himachal Pradesh Government Announces Increased DA and Enhanced Benefits for Employees and Pensioners
Starting April, government employees and pensioners in Himachal Pradesh will benefit from the increased DA. In addition, various other allowances and benefits are set to be enhanced, affecting workers in various sectors such as Anganwadi workers, MGNREGA laborers, Panchayat representatives, and ASHA workers.
The budget announcement also includes provisions for doubling the eligibility of government employees for LTC benefits, effective from January 1st, 2016, to December 31st, 2021. Furthermore, pending leave encashment and graduate-related dues for employees who retired during this period will be cleared from March 2024.
Anganwadi and ASHA workers will see a raise in their allowances, with a ₹500 increase for Anganwadi workers, ₹400 for Mini Anganwadi workers, and ₹300 for Anganwadi helpers. Moreover, Mid-Day Meal workers, water carriers, sanitation workers, and multi-purpose workers will also receive higher allowances.
Wage Hikes Across Sectors: Daily Earners, MGNREGA Workers, and Government Representatives Set to Benefit in Himachal Pradesh
The wages of daily wage earners in various sectors, including laborers under MGNREGA, will also be increased. For example, the daily wage for Panchayat Chowkidars will see a hike of ₹25, bringing it to ₹400 per day. Similarly, the daily wage for MGNREGA workers will increase by ₹60, bringing it to ₹300 per day.
Additionally, the salaries of Panchayat and Municipality representatives, police personnel, and Mayors/Chairpersons of various urban local bodies will also witness increments. For instance, the salary of Mayors will increase to ₹24,000 after a ₹4,000 raise, and Deputy Mayors to ₹18,000 after a ₹3,000 raise. Councilors will also see an increase in their monthly remuneration.