Gangtok, October 1: In a welcome move for state government employees and pensioners, the Sikkim government has announced a 4% increase in dearness allowance (DA), bringing the total DA to 50%, a report said. This hike, effective from January 1, 2024, was confirmed in an official notification issued by Chief Secretary VB Pathak on Tuesday, October 1.

The enhanced DA will benefit not only regular state government staff but also employees appointed on a contract basis and those in work-charged establishments drawing revised pay scales, IndiaTV reported. This decision comes just ahead of the Durga Puja festival, providing timely financial relief. 7th Pay Commission: Central Government Employees Likely To Get DA Hike Ahead of Diwali 2024, Say Reports.

Earlier this year, in June, the Sikkim government had similarly increased the DA by 4%, effective retrospectively from July 1, 2023. This announcement was made during the first cabinet meeting of the second Sikkim Krantikari Morcha government, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. 7th Pay Commission Update: Central Govt Employees to Receive 18-Month DA Arrears Along With 3% DA Hike Ahead of Haryana Assembly Elections 2024? Check Details.

With the latest increase, the total DA for government employees and pensioners has now risen to 50%. The previous hike in June was projected to impact the state exchequer by INR 174.6 crore for the current financial year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2024 11:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).