Odisha hikes dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) by 4%

In a significant move, the Odisha state government has taken steps to improve the financial well-being of its employees and pensioners. Following the pattern set by the Central government, the state government has decided to increase the dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) for its workforce.

According to the latest notification issued by the Odisha government, the dearness allowance has been hiked by 4 percent. This means that the employees will now receive a revised DA rate of 42 percent, as opposed to the previous rate of 38 percent. The decision to raise the dearness allowance has been welcomed by the employees, as it will provide them with increased financial support to cope with the rising cost of living. Importantly, the revised dearness allowance will be implemented retrospectively from January 1, 2023, ensuring that the employees receive the additional benefits they are entitled to.

Simultaneously, the dearness relief for pensioners has also been increased by 4 percent. This adjustment will positively impact the monthly pensions of retired individuals, as they will now receive a higher amount to sustain their livelihoods. The revised dearness relief will come into effect from the month of June, providing immediate relief to pensioners.

It is estimated that nearly 7.5 lakh government employees and pensioners in Odisha will benefit from this hike in the dearness allowance and dearness relief. This decision is aimed at improving the financial stability of the state's workforce and ensuring a dignified life for pensioners. The government's proactive approach in line with the Central government's policies demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of its employees and pensioners, especially in terms of mitigating the impact of inflation on their standard of living.

The increase in dearness allowance and dearness relief is expected to provide much-needed relief to the employees and pensioners, enabling them to manage their expenses effectively and maintain a reasonable quality of life.