Good news for government employees and pensioners! On the occasion of Diwali, various state governments have made important decisions regarding dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR). Maharashtra has reportedly approved a fund of ₹800 crore to pay pending DA arrears. Meanwhile, several states have increased the rate of dearness allowance (DA). Central government employees and pensioners are now focused on the central government's next decision.

₹800 crore approved for DA arrears in Maharashtra
It is reported that the Maharashtra government has approved a fund of ₹800 crore for the dearness allowance arrears of employees covered under the 5th, 6th and 7th Pay Commissions for November-December 2025 and January 2026. This is expected to result in the pending payment to the concerned employees. However, when the actual amount will be deposited and how much each employee will receive will depend on the relevant government decision and departmental instructions. It is also reported that a two percent increase in the dearness allowance of retired All India Service officers has also been approved.

How much DA in which state?

According to the information given, the rates of dearness allowance in different states are as follows.

Himachal Pradesh – DA 45 percent to 50 percent.

Punjab – DA from 42 percent to 50 percent.

Kerala – DA and DR from 35% to 37%.

Sikkim – DA 58% to 60% as per 7th Pay Commission.

Bihar - DA 58% to 60% as per 7th Pay Commission.

Whereas in Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh - as per the information given, the DA rates have reached 60 percent.

Central employees await meeting on October 28

Since the central government has not officially announced a dearness allowance increase, the attention of 5 million central employees and 6.5 million pensioners is focused on the cabinet meeting on October 28. While a 3 to 4 percent increase in DA is expected, the final decision has not been officially confirmed.

PC: News18