In a significant move ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Ministers across states have begun revising the rates of Dearness Allowance (DA) for their employees and pensioners, following the central government’s decision to raise DA for central employees and pensioners by 4%. After Madhya Pradesh, now Chhattisgarh’s Vishnu Sai government has also announced a 4% increase in DA and Dearness Relief as a Holi gift to its employees and pensioners.
State Government’s Welfare Measures: A Boost for Employees and Pensioners
The decision is expected to benefit around 3.9 million employees and 1.2 million pensioners in the state, with a monthly allocation of ₹68 crores and an annual budgetary provision of ₹816 crores.
Additionally, the state government has decided to disburse the final installment of arrears for employees and officials at the seventh pay scale. To address the issues faced by employees, a committee has been formed for their resolution.
The Chief Minister highlighted that employees had shared several concerns and demands, and the government is committed to addressing them effectively. A five-member committee, chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Department of Law and Legislative Affairs, has been constituted to discuss and provide suitable recommendations for the welfare of employees. The committee includes the Principal Secretaries of the General Administration Department, Finance Department, and a member secretary from the Department of General Administration (Government Employee Welfare Branch).
Government Extends Relief to Gram Panchayat Secretaries; DA Hike Effective from March 1, 2024
In addition to the DA hike, the government has extended relief to Gram Panchayat secretaries, compensating them for the 55 days of strike they held last year. This decision will incur an expenditure of ₹70 crores on the state exchequer.
The increase in DA and Dearness Relief will be effective from March 1, 2024, with the rates rising from 42% to 46% of the seventh pay scale, and 230% of the sixth pay scale. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of its employees and pensioners, ensuring their financial stability and well-being.
Overall, these measures are aimed at improving the standard of living for government employees and pensioners, enhancing their morale, and contributing to their overall welfare and prosperity.