Punjab Government approves 8% Dearness Allowance hike for staff and pensioners

Punjab's state government has approved an eight percent rise in Dearness Allowance (DA) for its civil servants and pensioners. The decision was taken after a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, where the financial implications and implementation timeline were discussed.

The increase is expected to be reflected in the next salary and pension disbursement cycle, providing immediate relief against rising living costs. Officials said the hike aligns with central government guidelines and aims to maintain parity with inflation trends.

The announcement has been welcomed by employee unions and pensioner associations, who had been lobbying for a higher DA to offset price pressures. The government has not disclosed the exact date when the revised rates will take effect, but it assured that the adjustment will be processed promptly.

The move underscores the Punjab administration's focus on welfare measures for its workforce amid ongoing economic challenges in the state.