Chandigarh: In a festive announcement ahead of Diwali, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has declared a three-percentage-point increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and pensioners, extending financial benefits to nearly eight lakh beneficiaries.
With this revision, the DA rate in Punjab has reached 53 per cent. The decision is expected to provide an estimated annual financial benefit of around ₹3,988 crore to the state’s serving and retired government workforce.
Announcing the decision through a post on X, the Chief Minister said the increase was intended as a Diwali gift for employees and pensioners. He also highlighted the contribution of government staff to the functioning of the administration and said their welfare and rights remained a priority for his government.
The announcement brings additional financial support for thousands of government families at a time when household expenses and festive spending often increase.
Mann also conveyed his Diwali greetings to employees and their family members, wishing them happiness and prosperity on the occasion.
The latest DA revision is expected to benefit a substantial section of Punjab’s public-sector workforce, with the government highlighting its commitment to employee welfare through the announcement.
