GUWAHATI, April 4: In a move to provide financial relief to government employees and pensioners, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday announced that the state cabinet has approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA), effective from January 1, 2025.

Addressing reporters after the cabinet meeting, CM Sarma stated that the decision aims to benefit thousands of government employees and retired personnel across the state. The revised DA will be added to the salaries of the employees ahead of the upcoming Bihu festival.

Furthermore, the government will disburse arrears for the months of January to March in April and May, providing timely relief amid rising living costs.

This announcement comes shortly after the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a similar hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief (DR) for Central Government employees and pensioners. The Central Government’s increase, also effective from January 1, 2025, raised the rate by 2 percent over the existing 53 percent of Basic Pay or Pension to offset the impact of inflation.

The alignment of Assam’s decision with the Central Government’s DA hike reflects a coordinated effort to address cost-of-living concerns and uphold the welfare of public servants.