Punjab announces 7 per cent DA increase for its employees and pensioners

by Punjabnewswire4u (Balbir)

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20

The Punjab Government today announced to enhance the rate of Dearness Allowance (DA) payable to the state government employees/pensioners from 58 per cent to 65 per cent of the revised basic pay with effect from 1st January, 2012.

Disclosing this here today, Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa said that the whole amount on account of enhanced dearness allowance due for the period from 1st January, 2012 to 30th June, 2012 would be credited to the General Provident Fund account of employees. He said that from the period of 1st July, 2012, enhanced dearness allowance would be paid in cash.

 Mr. Dhindsa said that the dearness allowance has been increased on the pattern of Centre Government. The Finance Minister said that 7 per cent DA increase would put an additional liability of Rs.744.48 crore on the state exchequer.

Mr. Dhindsa said that in case of such employees, who have been appointed on or after 1st January, 2004, enhanced dearness allowance due for the period from 1st January, 2012 to 30th June, 2012 would be paid in the shape of National Saving Certificates/Kisan Vikas Patras.

The Finance Minister said that in case of pensioners, the entire amount on account of enhanced dearness allowance would be paid in cash with effect from 1st January, 2012.