Festive Gift for Employees: This State Grants 4% DA to 3.50 Lakh Workers and Pensioners

In a festive move aimed at benefiting state employees and pensioners , Himachal Pradesh 's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a 4% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for around 3.5 lakh individuals, including both employees and pensioners . This decision, which comes just before Diwali, will not only ease financial burdens but also demonstrate the government's commitment to its workforce.

# Key Announcements:

• 4% DA Hike for 3.5 Lakh Employees and Pensioners

From January 1, 2023, a 4% DA increase will be implemented, benefiting 1.80 lakh employees and 1.70 lakh pensioners. This will place an additional Rs 600 crore strain on the state's finances annually.

• Early Salary and Pension Payments

In celebration of Diwali, employees and pensioners will receive their November salaries and pensions ahead of time, with payments scheduled for October 28, 2024.

• Pending Medical Bills Cleared

In a major relief, the state has allocated Rs 10 crore to clear all pending medical bills for employees and retirees this month, ensuring that no dues remain outstanding.

• Arrears for Senior Pensioners

The government will pay all pending arrears to pensioners over 75 years of age. A total of Rs 202 crore has been earmarked for this in the current financial year.

• Additional Arrears for Class-IV Employees

An extra Rs 20,000 in arrears will be released to Class-IV employees, ensuring that they receive full dues during this fiscal year.

# Addressing Financial Misconceptions:

CM Sukhu also took a dig at opposition leaders and their claims about the state's financial challenges. He assured that the government remains committed to resolving employee grievances, contrary to the narrative of a financial crunch being propagated by some political figures.

The Chief Minister's announcements highlight Himachal Pradesh’s intent to prioritize its employees, even while facing fiscal challenges, as the state moves towards becoming self-reliant by 2027.