Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 3 (HBTV): The Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday announced a 2 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees, raising it from 53 per cent to 55 per cent, effective January 1, 2025.

CM Yogi Adityanath also posted about the decision on X, stating that it would benefit around 16 lakh employees. He noted that safeguarding the interests of state employees remains the government's top priority.

‘In the same sequence, today it has been decided by the Uttar Pradesh government to increase the Dearness Allowance being given to the state employees at the rate of 53% to 55% from January 1, 2025. Around 16 lakh employees will benefit from this decision. Hearty congratulations to all of you!’ the Chief Minister said.

Earlier, on March 28, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the release of an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to pensioners, also effective from January 1, 2025. This increase represented a 2 per cent hike over the existing rate of 53 per cent of the basic pay or pension to help offset the impact of inflation.

Addressing a press conference following the Union Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the decision would benefit about 48.66 lakh Central Government employees and 66.55 lakh pensioners.

The combined impact on the exchequer due to the increase in both Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief was estimated at INR 6,614.04 crore per annum.

This increase follows the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission, according to an official release.

Additionally, on April 4, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state government would also grant an additional 2 per cent Dearness Allowance to its employees and pensioners, effective January 1, 2025.

(ANI)