Diwali Gift for UP Employees! Yogi Adityanath Announces 3% DA Hike, Salary to Increase Significantly

DA Hike UP: In a significant move bringing festive cheer to lakhs of government employees, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a major financial bonanza ahead of Diwali. The state government has approved a 3% increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for its employees and pensioners, respectively. This decision is set to benefit nearly 29 lakh individuals across the state, including teachers, government staff, and retired personnel.

This hike is a much-awaited Diwali gift that will provide substantial financial relief and boost the festive spirit among the state’s workforce. The announcement was made through the Chief Minister’s official social media handle, confirming the government’s commitment to employee welfare.

Details of the DA Hike and Financial Impact

The recent 3% hike elevates the total Dearness Allowance from the existing 47% to a new rate of 50% of the basic pay. This revision aligns with the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission and aims to offset the impact of rising inflation on the purchasing power of government employees and pensioners.

A crucial aspect of this announcement is its retrospective implementation. The increased DA will be effective from January 1, 2024. This means that employees and pensioners will receive arrears for the period from January to April 2024, providing them with a significant lump-sum amount along with their increased monthly salary.

The financial implications of this decision are substantial. The state exchequer will incur an additional expenditure of approximately ₹215 crore per month to facilitate this hike. This move underscores the government’s focus on supporting its employees despite the considerable financial outlay.

Here is a quick look at the revised DA structure:

Ad-Hoc Bonus Announcement

In addition to the DA hike, the UP government has also declared an ad-hoc bonus for non-gazetted state employees. Eligible employees will receive a bonus of ₹6,908. According to the directive, 25% of this bonus amount will be paid in cash, while the remaining 75% will be deposited into the employee’s General Provident Fund (GPF) account. This dual benefit of a DA hike and a festive bonus has been widely welcomed by employee unions and associations across Uttar Pradesh. This comprehensive package is expected to stimulate consumer spending during the festive season, providing a boost to the local economy.