DA hike: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha made a major announcement on Tuesday, announcing a 3% increase in dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) for state employees and pensioners. The increase will be effective from October 1, 2024, and the Chief Minister described it as a “Durga Puja gift” for employees during the festive season.
Chief Minister Saha emphasized in the Assembly that despite resource constraints, the government has prioritized the financial well-being of its employees and pensioners. This decision will benefit 105,739 employees and 84,342 pensioners in the state. This increase will result in an additional financial burden of approximately ₹125 crore on the state government in the remaining months of the current financial year.
How much is the DA now? Fact Check:
With this increase, the DA for Tripura state employees and pensioners has now reached 36%. While this is still lower than the 52% DA for central government employees, the Tripura government has consistently increased it over the past few years. Records show that DA was increased by 4% in fiscal year 2022, 3% in fiscal year 2023, and 2% in fiscal year 2024. This consistent increase demonstrates the state government’s commitment to the financial security of employees.
When will the DA of central employees increase?
On the other hand, central government employees and pensioners are awaiting the next increase in their dearness allowance (DA) during the festive season. According to various media reports, an announcement is expected before Diwali. The central government last increased the DA by 2% in March 2024, effective January 1, 2024. Since that increase, the DA for central employees has been 52%. The next hike, which would normally have been effective from July 1, 2024, is yet to be announced, and this is the reason for the wait.
In short, Tripura employees have received a major relief before the festivals, while central employees are now waiting for the central government’s announcement before Diwali.