Gandhinagar, April 21 In a major relief for government employees and pensioners, the Gujarat state cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has approved a hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for more than 9.59 lakh beneficiaries. This move follows the recent 2% DA increase by the Central Government, raising the rate from 53% to 55%, effective January 1, 2025.
Who Benefits from the Gujarat DA Hike 2025?
The DA hike will apply to:
-
4.78 lakh active employees under the Seventh Pay Commission
-
4.81 lakh retired pensioners including those from the Sixth Pay Commission, Panchayat services, and other government sectors
DA Increase Details:
-
2% hike for 7th Pay Commission employees and pensioners
-
6% hike for those under the 6th Pay Commission
Arrears from January to March 2025
The revised DA rates are effective from January 1, 2025. Hence, beneficiaries will receive three months of arrears (Jan–Mar 2025) along with their April 2025 salary or pension.
Financial Impact
-
₹946 crore total expenditure to be borne by the state government
-
Includes approximately ₹235 crore in additional salary burden
-
Average ₹1,000 annual increase per employee/pensioner
Part of a Nationwide DA Hike Trend
Gujarat joins other states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Assam in increasing DA following the central government’s move. These hikes are in line with inflation-linked adjustments to protect the real income of government workers and retirees.
Key Takeaways for Employees and Pensioners
-
DA now stands at 55% for 7th Pay Commission beneficiaries
-
Increased payout will reflect in April 2025 salary
-
Ensure pension/salary account details are updated for smooth disbursement of arrears
