Arunachal Pradesh hikes DA, DR by 2% for 1.09 lakh employees, pensioners
Synopsis
Arunachal Pradesh has raised DA and DR by 2% — from 58% to 60% of basic pay — for over 1.09 lakh employees and pensioners, effective January 2026. With a total outlay of ₹117.30 crore including arrears, the Pema Khandu government moved swiftly in the wake of the Centre's own April 2026 notification.
Key Takeaways
Arunachal Pradesh announced a 2% DA and DR hike on 6 May 2026 , effective 1 January 2026 .
DA rate raised from 58% to 60% of basic pay; DR similarly revised for pensioners.
Approximately 69,248 regular employees and 40,477 pensioners — totalling 1,09,725 — will benefit.
Annual financial implication: ₹100.54 crore (DA: ₹83.31 crore ; DR: ₹17.24 crore ).
Arrears from January–April 2026 to be paid in cash; total outlay including arrears: ₹117.30 crore .
Revision follows Government of India office memoranda dated 22 and 24 April 2026 .
The Arunachal Pradesh government on Wednesday, 6 May 2026 announced a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for 1,09,725 government employees and pensioners across the state, according to officials from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). The revision raises the existing rate from 58% to 60% of basic pay and pension, effective 1 January 2026.
Key Details of the Revision
The enhancement was announced under Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in line with the state government's stated commitment to employee welfare. The move follows the Government of India's office memoranda dated 22 April 2026 and 24 April 2026, which directed a similar enhancement for Central government employees and pensioners.
The enhanced DA will cover All India Service Officers serving in the Arunachal Pradesh government, Central government employees on deputation to the state, and all regular state government employees. Enhanced DR will similarly apply to all pensioners and family pensioners.
Who Benefits and by How Much
According to CMO officials, approximately 69,248 regular employees and 40,477 pensioners will benefit from the revision. The annual financial implication is estimated at ₹100.54 crore — comprising ₹83.31 crore towards DA and ₹17.24 crore towards DR.
Arrears for the period from January to April 2026 will be paid in cash, with a total arrears implication of ₹33.51 crore. Enhanced DA and DR from May 2026 onwards will be disbursed along with monthly salary and pension. The total financial implication, including arrears, is estimated at ₹117.30 crore.
What the Chief Minister Said
Congratulating government employees on the announcement, Chief Minister Khandu expressed optimism that employees would reciprocate by delivering their best for public welfare, particularly for those at the grassroots level. "Reaching the last man in the queue" was the benchmark he set for the state's administrative machinery.
Context and Significance
This revision follows a well-established pattern where state governments align their DA and DR rates with Central government revisions. Notably, Arunachal Pradesh's move comes within two weeks of the Centre's own notification — a relatively swift turnaround that signals the state's intent to keep parity. With over one lakh beneficiaries and a combined outlay exceeding ₹117 crore, the announcement is among the more significant welfare decisions by the Khandu administration this fiscal year.
Point of View
The announcement also carries electoral optics ahead of any future state cycle. The benchmark Chief Minister Khandu set — 'reaching the last man in the queue' — is a worthy aspiration, but one that DA hikes alone cannot fulfil.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DA and DR hike announced by the Arunachal Pradesh government?
The Arunachal Pradesh government announced a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for serving employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, raising the rate from 58% to 60% of basic pay and pension. The revision is effective from 1 January 2026.
How many employees and pensioners will benefit from this hike?
Approximately 1,09,725 beneficiaries will be covered — including 69,248 regular employees and 40,477 pensioners and family pensioners across Arunachal Pradesh.
What is the total financial implication of this DA and DR hike?
The total financial implication, including arrears from January to April 2026, is estimated at ₹117.30 crore. The annual recurring cost is ₹100.54 crore, while arrears amount to ₹33.51 crore, to be paid in cash.
When will the arrears and enhanced DA be paid?
Arrears for January to April 2026 will be paid in cash. Enhanced DA and DR from May 2026 onwards will be disbursed alongside monthly salaries and pensions.
Why did Arunachal Pradesh announce this DA hike?
The revision follows the Government of India's office memoranda dated 22 and 24 April 2026, which directed a similar DA and DR enhancement for Central government employees and pensioners. State governments typically align their rates with Central revisions.
