Over seven lakh regular employees of the Madhya Pradesh government are set for a potential 4 per cent dearness allowance (DA) hike, according to the latest 7th Pay Commission updates. However, unlike several other states that recently announced salary increases, Madhya Pradesh appears to be deferring its decision until after the New Year, according to naidunai.com.
Currently, Madhya Pradesh government employees receive a 42 per cent DA. The proposed 4 percentage points increase would bring it to 46 per cent. The State finance department has already prepared the proposal and sent it to the Chief Minister’s Office.
The reported reason for the delay is the ongoing Model Code of Conduct imposed for the upcoming assembly elections.
Looking ahead, media reports suggest that the Madhya Pradesh finance department is already anticipating a 56 per cent DA in the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. Instructions have been issued to all departments to allocate provisions for a 3 per cent salary hike and 56 per cent for DA and relief.
Traditionally, DA increases occur in January and July. However, recent announcements from other states, including West Bengal, Meghalaya, and Punjab, have seen DA hikes declared in December 2023. Punjab announced its decision on December 18, Meghalaya on December 20, and West Bengal, the latest addition, on December 21.