Current DA has been increased to 132% that will Benefit 8 Lakh State officers and 3.5 Lakh pensioners.
It’s a happy day for government officers and pensioners! This Wednesday that is October 9, Raje government decided to grant the DA (dearness allowance) hike demands of government officers. DA that is granted by the government to public sector (PSU) and state employees helps them cope with increasing inflation. It is calculated as a part of an employed professional’s salary to help them adjust with fluctuating costs. A total of 3.5 lakh pensioners and 8 lakh state employees in Rajasthan will be benefited by this decision.
Hike in pay will also be applicable to employees working in district councils (Zila Parishad), Panchayat committees (Panchayat Samiti) and contractual workers (Karya Prabhari). The new arrear will be at par with Centre-employed officers. Rajasthan government has boosted DA rates from 125% to 132% (of the gross pay), effective from 1 July, 2016. The DR (Dearness Relief) for state pensioners will follow the same pattern.
Balance due on account of DA hike from July to September will be paid in cash to all the employees, starting from November 1, 2017, as per the sources. The announcement came as a source of relief for millions of employees, who are already struggling with the after effects of demonetization imposed by the Centre. It will impose an additional burden of Rs. 750 crore on the exchequer. Raje, who always wanted to improve the standard of living for government employees announced a Diwali bonus worth Rs. 7,000 crore in line with the seventh Pay Commission last month.
While this is an unexpected blessing in disguise for state officers, the government needs to take appropriate measures for private employees as well. Resurgent Rajasthan, a powerful weapon unveiled by Raje last year was a powerful step towards drawing foreign investments in technical industry. The idea was to create more jobs for youth in the private sector. Little steps like these will encourage natives to find employment in the state itself. This would prevent local talents from drifting outside, which is an important factor for Rajasthan’s economic growth.
