On July 6, 2023, the Chhattisgarh government, led by Bhupesh Baghel, chief minister, announced an increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting, raised the DA by five per cent, bringing it to 38 percent. Approximately 380,000 employees will benefit from this decision.
CM Baghel shared the news on Twitter, stating that the hike would impose an additional financial burden of Rs 1,000 crore per year on the state’s exchequer. The last increase in DA occurred in October of the previous year, when it was raised by 5per cent.
The revised DA of 38 per cent will now be provided to state government employees. Additionally, the government has made changes to the eligibility criteria for a full pension, reducing the required number of years of service from 33 to 30. The qualifying service period for voluntary retirement has also been reduced from 20 years to 17 years.
In addition to the DA hike, the Chhattisgarh government has approved amendments to the Chhattisgarh State Administrative Service (classification, recruitment, and conditions of service) Rules, 2023. Furthermore, the amended Chhattisgarh Private Universities (establishment and operation) (amendment) Bill, 2023, has also been approved.
Overall, these decisions aim to improve the financial benefits and retirement provisions for state government employees in Chhattisgarh.