The Punjab government has announced an 8% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for around 8 lakh state government employees and pensioners. The increase will be released in two instalments of 4% each, taking the total DA to 50%. The revised DA is scheduled to be reflected from October.
DA Hike Comes After Employee Protests
The decision came after weeks of disagreement between the Punjab government and employee and pensioner organisations. Employees had been demanding the release of pending DA instalments and arrears, along with action on several other service-related issues.
The DA announcement followed a meeting between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, government representatives and employee and pensioner organisations. The government has said that several other employee-related demands will also be examined.
Other Employee Demands to Be Examined
Apart from the DA hike, the government has agreed to examine several long-pending demands raised by employees and pensioners.
These include the demand for a 2.59 pension multiplication factor, issues related to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), restoration of various allowances, implementation of Assured Career Progression (ACP), and issues concerning salaries during the probation period.
Monthly Meetings With Employee Representatives
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also announced regular meetings with employee representatives to discuss their concerns and pending demands.
The government has said that employee-related issues will be examined through continued discussions. Another meeting with employee representatives is also expected to take place in October.
Relief for Employees and Pensioners
The 8% DA increase will provide additional financial benefits to Punjab government employees and pensioners. The decision also brings an end to the recent agitation over DA and other service-related demands, although several issues raised by employee organisations remain under discussion.
