In a welcome move for state government employees and pensioners, the Sikkim government has officially announced an increase in their Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR). This adjustment is set to take effect from January 1, 2025.
For those employees and pensioners who are still receiving pay based on the pre-revised basic pay structure, the hike includes an additional 6 percent DA and DR. This brings their total DA and DR to a substantial 252 percent, as per the notification released by the Finance Department.
Meanwhile, employees and pensioners drawing pay under the revised basic pay structure will see their DA and DR increase by an additional 2 percent. This adjustment will raise their combined DA and DR to 55 percent.
The benefits of this increased allowance extend to employees appointed on a contract basis and those working under work-charged establishments who are drawing pay in the regular scales. The Finance Department’s notification confirms that they will also receive this enhanced allowance.
This decision by the Sikkim government is expected to provide much-needed financial support to its workforce and pensioners, helping them cope with the rising cost of living.