Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], July 4: In a significant decision for the welfare of state government employees, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced a 4 per cent increase in dearness allowance (DA) based on central rates effective from January 1, 2024, for those covered under the Seventh Pay Commission.

This dearness allowance increase will benefit 4.71 lakh Karma Yogis and approximately 4.73 lakh retired employees, i.e., pensioners. Amit Shah to Launch Scheme for 50% Aid on Purchase of Nano-fertilizer by Farmers on July 6 in Gujarat.

The arrears of dearness allowance for the six months from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024, will be disbursed in three instalments along with the salary. As per the schedule, the difference amount for January 2024 and February 2024 will be included in the July 2024 salary.

The difference amount for March and April 2024 will be included in the August 2024 salary, and the dearness allowance arrears for May and June 2024 will be included in the September 2024 salary.

The state government will disburse a total of Rs 1129.51 crore to settle these arrears for the employees. The Finance Department has been instructed to issue necessary orders for implementing Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's decision on employee benefits.

Earlier on Tuesday, Dr Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar.

The Chief Minister highlighted the amicable relations between France and India, emphasising India's evolving role as a Global Friend (Vishva Mitra) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Patel conveyed Gujarat's keen interest in utilising France's knowledge and skills in infrastructure and other facilities essential for the Olympic Games for Gujarat's 2036 Olympics. He also said he wanted to explore how this infrastructure could serve long-term purposes beyond the event. Gujarat Increases Water Storage Capacity by 11,523 Lakh Cubic Feet in 7th Year of Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan.

The French Ambassador expressed a keen interest in strengthening collaboration with Gujarat, specifically in renewable energy, ports, and the sports sector.

The Ambassador mentioned the presence of the French delegation and stated that two French business groups announced investments during the Vibrant Summit-2024.

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