Bihar government raises dearness allowance for 900,000 employees

The Bihar cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, approved a 2% increase in dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees and pensioners. The hike raises the DA for staff covered under the 7th Pay Commission from 58% to 60%, and also adjusts rates for the 6th (257% to 262%) and 5th (474% to 483%) pay commissions. The changes will take effect on 1 January 2026 and are expected to benefit roughly 9 lakh (900,000) individuals.

The decision was part of a broader cabinet agenda that also included measures on artificial intelligence, electric‑vehicle subsidies for women, industrial investment, police reforms and higher‑education improvements.