A significant increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees in Himachal Pradesh state has been announced. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a general 5% hike in DA on Friday. This amount includes a 4% increase for the current year and 1% arrears from the previous year.
Furthermore, Minister Sukhu stated that Class IV employees will receive an additional financial assistance of ₹10,000 along with the DA increase. These funds will be credited to the employees' bank accounts on November 1.
This decision by the Himachal Pradesh government will affect 275,000 employees and pensioners of the state. During a press interaction, Sukhu confirmed the DA hike announcement, clarifying that the notification would be issued on Friday. He also emphasized that the additional financial benefits for Class IV employees would be provided in addition to the DA payments.
Sukhu stated that the government is taking measures to curb expenditure to maintain financial discipline. Although such steps may affect certain segments of society, he noted that changes are possible through collective efforts. The minister jokingly mentioned that journalists also remain dissatisfied with him. His statement is seen as a reaction to the reduction in government advertising placements in media publications.
He appealed to MLAs, government officials, doctors, engineers, and teachers to contribute to improving the administrative system and the financial condition of the state.
Responding to opposition allegations that the state debt exceeds 1.20 lakh crore rupees, Minister Sukhu expressed disagreement. He asserted that the total debt of Himachal Pradesh is around ₹99,000 crore. The minister acknowledged the financial pressure caused by the cessation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). He added that the government is securing interest-free loans to meet its financial needs.
Sukhu expressed hope that Himachal Pradesh can become self-reliant in the fields of health and education by 2030.