The Odisha government has approved a two per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state-government employees and pensioners. The increase raises the DA and Temporary Increase (TI) from the current 53 to 55 per cent.
The hike will be implemented retrospectively, with effect from 1 January, 2025. Eligible employees will receive the enhanced amount as a cash benefit along with their April salary. This move aims to help government workers and pensioners offset the rising cost of living.
According to an official statement, the decision will benefit nearly 8.5 lakh individuals, including both serving state-government employees and pensioners.
The increase in DA is part of a regular revision process, based on changes in the Consumer Price Index and inflation trends. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the real income of employees and pensioners in the face of fluctuating market prices.
The state’s announcement comes at a time when employees across various sectors are closely watching how governments respond to inflationary pressures. With this step, Odisha joins the list of states providing financial relief to its workforce through DA revisions in the new financial year.
The hike is expected to have a positive impact on household budgets for lakhs of families across Odisha. This is part of the government’s efforts to support its employees and retirees by aligning allowances with the rising cost of living.
