In a significant move to mark the arrival of the New Year, the Jharkhand government has approved a 3% increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for its employees, providing a welcome boost ahead of 2025. This hike, which will take effect from July 1, 2024, was approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
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The increase in DA is expected to benefit over 30 lakh employees and pensioners across the state. Along with the rise in DA, employees will also receive arrears for the past six months, ensuring that they are compensated for the period from July to December 2024.
In addition to the DA increase, the state government also announced a 3% hike in the dearness relief (DR) for pensioners, raising it to 53%. This adjustment will provide additional financial relief to pensioners, further enhancing their standard of living.
This move comes after the Centre’s recent decision to raise the DA for its employees, signalling a broader trend of improving financial support for government workers amidst rising inflation.
The Jharkhand Cabinet, in its meeting, also passed 10 other important proposals. Among the key initiatives was the administrative approval for a grant of Rs 99.56 crore to establish the Multi-disciplinary Education and Research University (MERU) on the campus of Vinoba Bhave University (VBU) in Hazaribagh. This initiative falls under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) and aims to bolster educational infrastructure in the state.
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The Jharkhand government allocates approximately Rs 16,000 crore annually to cover the salary and allowances of its employees working in regular posts. The state currently has 5,33,737 sanctioned positions across various departments, of which 1,83,016 posts are filled. This substantial expenditure reflects the government’s ongoing investment in public sector workers and their welfare.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren emphasised the government’s commitment to the state’s development, stating, “We are ready to move forward with a visionary mindset for the betterment of Jharkhand.” As the new year approaches, the DA hike provides a timely financial boost to state employees and pensioners, contributing to their economic well-being in the coming year.
