News Reporter
Festive relief as revised DA to be credited before Bihu; arrears to be paid in April and May
GUWAHATI: In a major development aimed at easing the financial burden on government employees and pensioners, the Assam Cabinet has approved a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA). This increment will come into effect from January 1, 2025, benefitting thousands of state government employees and retired personnel.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made the announcement, confirming that the revised DA will be disbursed before the Bihu festival, offering timely monetary relief and festive cheer to government staff. Additionally, arrears for the months of January, February, and March 2025 will be released in April and May, ensuring systematic and phased financial support.
The decision comes at a time when inflationary pressures have increased the cost of living, and it highlights the state government's focus on employee welfare and economic parity. The DA increment is part of Assam’s ongoing efforts to adjust state salaries with changing market realities and to keep pace with central pay scale revisions.
This marks yet another in a series of pro-employee measures undertaken by the state government. In recent years, the Assam government has regularly enhanced the DA component, reflecting a consistent approach to safeguard the purchasing power of its workforce and retired staff.
The latest decision is expected to benefit over 5 lakh employees and pensioners in the state. With this hike, Assam aims to not only provide financial stability to its employees but also stimulate local economic activity, especially during festival seasons.
The move has been widely welcomed by employee unions and pensioners' associations, who have expressed gratitude to the government for responding to their long-standing demands. The state administration has reiterated its commitment to addressing the financial well-being of its workforce while maintaining fiscal discipline.
As other states look to align their compensation structures in response to inflation, Assam’s timely DA revision sets a positive precedent, reinforcing its position as a proactive and employee-friendly state government.