Chandigarh: Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, has announceda significant increase in dearness allowance (DA) for government employees by 4%. Effective from December 1, the DA has surged from 34% to 38%, benefiting approximately 3.25 lakh employees and 3.50 lakh pensioners across the state.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Mann expressed, "Productive discussions were held with Punjab State Ministerial Service Union representatives today to address their concerns. Delighted to share the upcoming New Year's gift for our employees—a 4% increment in DA effective from December 1, 2023."

Following the meeting, Amrik Singh, President of PSMSU, affirmed that the chief minister assured the allocation of 4% DA to state government employees, adding a commitment to provide the remaining 8% DA in the future.

The DA adjustments for employees and pensioners are determined based on the current Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) issued monthly by the Labour Bureau.

Regarding the restoration of the old pension scheme, Mann confirmed intentions to raise this matter with the Union government, according to PTI.

Mann also declared plans for an upcoming discussion with the Secretary of Finance, Government of India, to further advocate for the cause.

Employees had been demanding the implementation of the old pension scheme, the release of the pending 12% DA, and the regularization of contractual employees.

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