Big Gift for Maharashtra Government Employees Before Holi: DA Increased by 12%

Maharashtra Government Announces 12% DA Hike

Ahead of Holi celebrations, the Maharashtra government has given a major financial boost to its employees by approving a 12% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA). According to the state finance department, this decision will benefit nearly 1.7 million (17 lakh) government employees across the state.

As per the latest Government Resolution (GR), the DA has been revised from 443% to 455% under the 5th Pay Commission structure. The revised DA will be effective from July 1, 2024, and will be paid in cash along with the February 2025 salary, covering the arrears from July 2024 to January 2025.

Key Highlights of the DA Revision

✔️ No changes in the existing DA distribution process – The allocation procedures remain the same.
✔️ Additional expenses will be covered under the existing budget – The extra expenditure due to the hike will be adjusted within the allocated salary and allowance funds.
✔️ District Council & Grant-Institutions covered – The revised DA will also apply to employees of grant-funded institutions and district councils, with the expenditure recorded under specific financial aid sub-heads.

Recent DA Hike in Jharkhand

Just last week, the Jharkhand government also announced a 7% increase in DA for state employees. The revised rates, effective from July 1, 2024, will raise the Dearness Allowance from 239% to 246% under the 6th Pay Commission. The increase was approved in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, benefiting both employees and pensioners.

Conclusion

This 12% DA hike by the Maharashtra government comes as a welcome relief for state employees, offering financial support ahead of the Holi festival. With other states like Jharkhand also revising DA, it remains to be seen whether more states follow suit.