Has the Rajasthan government just blessed employees with a 3% DA and DR hike for Diwali?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 3% increase in DA and DR announced.
- Effective for 8 lakh employees and 4.40 lakh pensioners.
- Financial burden of Rs 1,230 crore anticipated.
- Revised DA to be paid with October 2025 salary.
- Pensioners to receive arrears in cash.
Jaipur, Oct 3 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has unveiled an exciting festive surprise for government employees and pensioners by sanctioning a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) just in time for Diwali.
This significant decision comes on the heels of the Central Government's announcement regarding a similar DA adjustment for its employees earlier this week.
In a swift response to the Chief Minister’s directive, the Finance Department approved the proposal on Friday.
With this sanction, the DA and DR for state government employees and pensioners under the Seventh Pay Commission will escalate from 55% to 58%.
Approximately 8 lakh employees and 4.40 lakh pensioners—including those from Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads—will benefit directly from this approval.
According to the order, employees will receive their revised DA in cash along with their October 2025 salary, which is due in November.
Moreover, arrears covering three months—from July to September 2025—will be deposited into the employees’ General Provident Fund (GPF) accounts.
Pensioners will receive their revised Dearness Relief arrears in cash effective from July 1, 2025.
The Rajasthan government highlighted that this move demonstrates its commitment to the welfare of employees and pensioners, providing timely financial aid ahead of the festive season.
While the decision is anticipated to impose an annual financial burden of around Rs 1,230 crore on the state treasury, the government considers it a vital and people-centric initiative.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reiterated the government's dedication to protecting the interests of employees and retirees, who are integral to the state's administrative and service framework.
The DA increase, announced just before Diwali, is set to bring joy to countless families across Rajasthan.