Chandigarh, December 18: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday announced a four per cent hike in dearness allowance (DA) for government employees and pensioners from December 1, thereby enhancing it to 38 per cent. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Chief Minister with employees here.

Mann said this decision would benefit lakhs employees and pensioners. "The employees are a critical segment of the state administration and safeguarding their interests is the government’s top priority," he said, adding that every effort would be made to ensure welfare of the employees. 7th Pay Commission: 4% DA Hike for Central Government Employees by Diwali 2023? Here's How Much Salary Will Increase if Dearness Allowance Is Raised

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister said the government would flag the issue of restoration of Old Pension Scheme with the Union government. He said a meeting would be arranged with the Union Finance Secretary to further push up the case. 7th Pay Commission DA Hike Update: 4% Dearness Allowance Hike Announcement, MSP Raise in Six Rabi Crops Likely by Union Cabinet Today Ahead of Diwali

Mann also directed to prepare timescale for ensuring promotion channels in various departments for steno typists on seniority. He also asked the officers to ensure that process for filling vacant posts in ministerial services of all departments through promotion is ensured within two months. He also announced a committee for resolution of various pending demands of the employees.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 18, 2023 05:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).