Punjab government recommends DA hike to 60% for 85,000 employees

A three-member cabinet sub-committee in Punjab has recommended increasing the Dearness Allowance (DA) from 42% to 60% for approximately 85,000 government employees. The proposal, which has been submitted to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for final approval, specifically targets employees recruited after July 17, 2020.

This group of employees follows the Central Government’s 7th Pay Commission pay matrix, whereas employees hired before that date are governed by the Punjab Pay Commission. The hike aims to bring the DA for post-2020 recruits in line with the rates provided to Central Government employees.

The sub-committee includes Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora, and Social Security Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. The announcement comes amid ongoing labor unrest and protests by state employees regarding pending arrears and pay disparities.