The Union Territory administration has approved a revision in the deputy commissioner (DC) rates for 2025-26. The decision brings relief to thousands of contractual and outsourced employees. The revised rates, effective from 1 April, 2025, represent an average hike of five per cent, with certain posts receiving increases of up to 20-25 per cent.
The revision will directly impact nearly 20,000 employees working across various departments under the Chandigarh administration. The new DC rates will also be available for adoption by government offices, boards, corporations, public-sector undertakings (PSUs), and autonomous bodies. However, each office will take an independent decision on whether to implement the revised pay structure.
The hike translates into significant improvements for several categories of workers. A weldar, earlier drawing Rs 21,600 per month, will now receive Rs 22,680. An AC operator’s monthly pay will rise from Rs 24,222 to Rs 25,433. Eye technicians will see a jump from Rs 18,058 to Rs 25,433, while rates of clerks-cum-receptionists will also move up to Rs 30,850.
The revision follows persistent demands from employee associations, who had sought a 15 per cent enhancement in rates. These DC rates act as the minimum prescribed wage structure, derived from the pay scale of regular posts. Departments and institutions retain the flexibility to provide additional wages or benefits based on duty hours and the nature of work.
As per the notification, the revised wages apply to an eight-hour working day. For part-time employees, rates will be calculated proportionately based on daily or hourly duty. The move is expected to improve earnings security for contractual staff, who form the backbone of many essential services in the city.
