Enhanced Dearness Allowance to benefit more than 8 lakh employees and pensioners from September 1

Chandigarh, 23 September (H.S.): The Punjab Government has announced an 8 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for its employees and pensioners, with the revised rate coming into effect from September 1, 2026. The decision is expected to benefit more than eight lakh employees and pensioners across the state.

The notification was issued following discussions between representatives of employee organisations and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the enhancement fulfils an assurance given by the Chief Minister during his recent interaction with employee representatives.

The CMO said the decision was taken with the financial welfare of government employees and pensioners in mind. It stated that the higher DA would provide additional financial support at a time when household expenditure and the prices of essential commodities have increased.

The issue of DA enhancement was among several matters discussed during the meeting between employee union representatives and the Chief Minister at his official residence. The CMO said Mann had assured the representatives that their genuine demands would be considered sympathetically and that appropriate steps would be taken in the interest of employees and pensioners.

Following the government notification, eligible employees will receive the enhanced DA along with their salary in accordance with applicable rules and government provisions. Pensioners will also be entitled to the revised DA under the relevant regulations.

The CMO described the decision as part of the government’s approach of maintaining regular dialogue with employee representatives and addressing their concerns through discussions. It said the notification gives effect to the assurance made by the Chief Minister during his meeting with the representatives.

The government further stated that the 8 per cent enhancement would provide financial relief to more than eight lakh employees and pensioners in Punjab. The CMO said the move reflected the state government’s stated focus on the welfare and financial interests of its workforce.

The DA revision comes amid continued discussions between the state government and employee organisations over various service-related issues. The government said it would continue engaging with employees and pensioners and work towards addressing their legitimate concerns in a timely and transparent manner.

The enhanced DA will be applicable from September 1, 2026, as specified in the government notification. Employees and pensioners will receive the benefit according to the applicable payment and pension rules.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH