Diwali Bonanza in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Mann Hikes DA by 3% to 53%

• by Akanksha Mishra
• 2026-11-04 14:29:00

Delivering a major festive windfall to public sector personnel ahead of Diwali celebrations, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced a 3 percent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for all state government employees and pensioners. With this latest upward revision, the cumulative DA entitlement for Punjab's government workforce has reached 53 percent, matching the central parity slab. The administrative decision brings direct financial relief to approximately 800,000 serving civil servants and retired personnel across the state, infusing substantial purchasing power into household budgets just in time for the five-day festive season.

Direct Bank Transfers Worth ₹3,988 Crore to Be Disbursed Ahead of the Festive Rush

Detailing the financial rollout of the announcement, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann affirmed that the state treasury is immediately releasing the funds to ensure that arrears and revised allowances land directly in beneficiary bank accounts without bureaucratic delay. A staggering total outlay of ₹3,988 crore has been earmarked and cleared for immediate bank credit to the accounts of eligible government personnel and pensioners across Punjab's districts. Mann emphasized that his administration remains steadfast in prioritizing employee welfare, improving living standards amid persistent inflation, and ensuring that public servants can celebrate the Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas festivities with unhindered enthusiasm and financial security.

Cumulative DA Relief Touches 11% Under Present Administration as Staff Bodies Welcome Move

Addressing the broader economic trajectory of state remuneration, the Chief Minister pointed out that the current government has progressively sanctioned an aggregate 11 percent increase in Dearness Allowance since assuming office, steadily bridging previous arrears backlogs. Raising the rate from 50 percent to 53 percent marks another decisive step toward protecting the purchasing power of public sector workers against rising retail consumer price index (CPI) pressures. The announcement was met with widespread celebration across secretariat departments, police personnel forums, teacher federations, and pensioner welfare associations across Punjab, who welcomed the timely financial disbursement ahead of the auspicious celebrations.

Previous Post

Punjab will not bow down to atrocities… Arvind Kejriwal's big attack on ED action

Next Post

Truck Loaded with ₹4 Lakh Diwali Firecrackers Snatched in Tarn Taran