In a significant move aimed at enhancing the financial well-being of its workforce, the Gujarat government has announced a four percent hike in dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) for state employees and pensioners. Alongside this, the government has increased its contribution to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) for employees and introduced changes in the calculation of LTC cash conversion based on the revised pay scale of the 7th Pay Commission.
The latest DA hike, effective from July 1, 2023, will raise the dearness allowance of state government employees to 46 percent, up from the previous 42 percent. This decision is set to benefit around 4.45 lakh state government employees and 4.63 lakh pensioners, according to an official release.
The arrears for the past eight months will be provided to employees, with the difference in dearness allowance from July 2023 to February 2024 being distributed in three installments along with their salaries. The incremental amount for the period from July 2023 to September 2023 will be disbursed with the March 2024 salary, while arrears for October to December 2023 will be included in the April 2024 salary. Furthermore, dearness allowance arrears for January and February 2024 will be part of the May 2024 salary for the employees.
In addition to the DA hike, the state government has decided to enhance its contribution to the National Pension Scheme (NPS) from 10 percent to 14 percent. Meanwhile, state employees will continue to contribute 10 percent towards the scheme. This move is expected to provide greater financial security for government employees in their retirement years.
Furthermore, the government has revised the calculation for LTC cash conversion, with the new method now based on the revised pay scale of the 7th Pay Commission. Previously, it was calculated using the pay scale of the 6th Pay Commission.
These comprehensive measures by the Gujarat government reflect a commitment to the well-being and financial stability of its workforce, providing employees and pensioners with increased benefits and improved financial security.
