In a move aimed at supporting state employees, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced a 4% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) on Friday. This decision comes just ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, slated for April or May this year.

Chief Minister Sai highlighted the fulfillment of the 'Modi Ki Guarantee' promise, ensuring the procurement of 21 quintals of paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal. Additionally, he mentioned Prime Minister Modi's commitment to forming a five-member committee to address the concerns of contractual workers.

Discussing the 'Mahtari Bandhan Yojana', the Chief Minister noted that women in Chhattisgarh had already received ₹655 crore in their accounts. He pledged further support, promising that every woman would receive Rs1,000 per month in the near future.

Alongside Chhattisgarh, several other states including Karnataka, Tripura, Gujarat, and Rajasthan have also approved hikes in dearness allowance.

The Rajasthan government, under Bhajanlal Sharma, announced a 4% increase in DA for state employees and pensioners. Similarly, the Tripura government, led by Manik Saha, declared an additional 5% dearness allowance for its employees and pensioners.

Moreover, the Karnataka government has approved a 3.75% hike in DA for its employees and pensioners, effective from January 1, 2024. These increments will be disbursed along with the March salary.

On a national level, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet has greenlit an additional installment of Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners. The new rates, effective from January 1, 2024, represent a 4% increase over the existing rate of 46% of the Basic Pay/Pension.

Here's How Karnataka Govt Raises Dearness Allowance to 42.5% Ahead of Elections