The Central Government has officially increased the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for its employees and pensioners from 53% to 55%, effective from January 2025. Following this announcement, several state governments including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Odisha have also adopted the revised rates.
This change comes as a welcome financial relief amid rising inflation and living costs, impacting the salaries and pensions of over 45 lakh employees and pensioners across these four states.
Rajasthan Increases DA for 12.5 Lakh Beneficiaries
On April 1, 2025, the Rajasthan government announced a 2% DA hike under the 7th Pay Commission, increasing the rate from 53% to 55%. The increase applies to:
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8 lakh active employees
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4.40 lakh pensioners
Employees of Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad are also included.
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The revised DA will be paid in May 2025 along with April’s salary.
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Arrears from January to March will be deposited in the General Provident Fund (GPF).
Assam Approves DA Hike for 7.38 Lakh Employees
The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government has also confirmed a similar DA/DR increase to 55%.
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Over 7.38 lakh employees and pensioners will benefit.
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Arrears for January, February, and March will be paid across April and May 2025.
Uttar Pradesh Employees Also Get DA Boost
The Yogi Adityanath government has approved the same 2% hike in DA for approximately 16 lakh employees, including:
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Regular staff
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Employees of aided educational/technical institutions
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Urban local bodies
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Acting charge employees
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Those under UGC pay scales
Arrears for the first quarter of 2025 will also be paid in May along with the April salary.
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The monthly financial impact: ₹107 crore
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Arrears cost: ₹193 crore
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₹129 crore of GPF deposit for OPS employees
How Much Will Your Salary Increase?
Here’s a quick estimate of how the DA hike translates into monthly salary increments:
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Basic Pay ₹18,000:
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At 53% DA: ₹9,540
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At 55% DA: ₹9,900
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Monthly increase: ₹360
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Basic Pay ₹50,000:
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At 53% DA: ₹26,500
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At 55% DA: ₹27,500
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Monthly increase: ₹1,000
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These figures are indicative and may slightly vary depending on allowances and location-based benefits.
FAQs
What is the DA rate for central government employees in 2025?
The DA rate has increased from 53% to 55% effective from January 2025.
Which states have approved the DA hike in 2025?
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Odisha have approved the DA hike alongside the central government.
Will employees get arrears for the previous months?
Yes, employees will receive arrears for January, February, and March 2025. Payments will be disbursed starting May 2025.
How will the arrears be paid to employees?
In states like Rajasthan, arrears will be credited to the GPF account. Others may receive arrears in cash payouts.
How much will salary increase after the DA hike?
The increase depends on basic pay. For example, an employee with ₹18,000 basic salary will get a ₹360 increase monthly, while a ₹50,000 basic salary will see a ₹1,000 hike.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.