In a significant decision aimed at easing the financial burden on government employees, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a hike in dearness allowance (DA) for staff receiving salaries under the 5th and 6th Pay Commissions. The announcement, made through an official order issued by the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), is expected to benefit thousands of employees across the state, including teachers, technical staff, and urban local body workers.
According to the revised structure, the DA for employees under the 5th Pay Commission has been increased by 11 percent, raising the rate from 455 percent to 466 percent of basic pay. Employees falling under the 6th Pay Commission will see a 6 percent hike, bringing their total DA to 252 percent from the earlier 246 percent.
These rates reflect the government’s effort to account for the rising cost of living and inflationary trends that have impacted employees still serving under older pay structures. The enhanced DA will be paid in cash starting from April 1, 2025.
For the period between January 1 and March 31, 2025, the amount will be credited to the employees’ General Provident Fund (GPF) accounts or other designated future savings instruments. This method ensures that the fiscal burden is managed prudently while still securing the benefit for the employees. The increase will cover a wide category of employees, including state government personnel, staff of government-aided educational institutions, technical institute employees, and regular and full-time staff employed by urban local bodies.
These are employees who, for various administrative or structural reasons, have not been transitioned to the 7th Pay Commission and continue to work under previous regimes. While, Vivek Kishore, leader of the State Government Employees Association, welcomed the move but said more needed to be done to bring parity. “This increase in dearness allowance is a welcome step. Our long-standing demand has finally been addressed and it will provide financial relief to a large section of employees. We urge the government to consider bringing all employees under the 7th Pay Commission to ensure uniformity in compensation and benefits.”
Employee unions, associations have been pressing for the revision for several months, arguing that stagnant allowances were eroding real income, particularly as inflation and cost of essential commodities have risen sharply. This announcement comes at a crucial time, towards new fiscal year and reflects its intent to maintain administrative harmony and employee satisfaction.