In a significant development, the Chhattisgarh government has approved a 4% hike in dearness allowance (DA) for its employees. This decision will benefit approximately 7 lakh state employees, raising their DA from the current 42% to 46%. The increase is set to provide financial relief to government employees by helping them cope with inflation.
The dearness allowance is a cost-of-living adjustment allowance paid to government employees and pensioners. It is calculated as a percentage of the basic salary and is aimed at offsetting inflationary pressures. With the latest hike, the DA for Chhattisgarh state employees will now be 46% of their basic salary.
Financial Implications
This approval comes with significant financial implications for the state government. The increased allowance will result in an additional annual burden of Rs 222 crore on the state’s finances. Despite this, the government has decided to proceed with the hike, recognizing the importance of supporting its employees during times of rising costs of living.
Impact on Madhya Pradesh
The DA hike in Chhattisgarh also has repercussions for the neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh (MP). The MP government is expected to follow suit, given the interlinked economic and administrative frameworks of the two states. This decision might influence MP’s financial planning and budgeting, particularly in light of the additional burden already announced for Chhattisgarh.
Recruitment Drive for Backlog Posts
In another development, the Chhattisgarh government has also announced a recruitment drive to fill 10,000 backlog posts. This initiative aims to address the long-standing vacancies in various departments, improving efficiency and service delivery within the state administration. The recruitment process will target filling positions that have remained vacant for an extended period, ensuring that government departments are adequately staffed to meet the needs of the public.
Conclusion
The 4% hike in dearness allowance is a welcome move for the 7 lakh employees in Chhattisgarh, providing much-needed financial relief. The government’s commitment to improving the financial well-being of its employees, despite the additional fiscal burden, highlights its dedication to maintaining a motivated and supported workforce. Alongside the recruitment drive for backlog posts, these measures are set to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the state administration.
