DA not to be merged with basic in MP

Bhopal, Mar 23 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh government today clarified in the assembly that no scheme was in existence for assimilating 50 per cent DA into its employees' basic salaries.

In a written reply to a question by Mr Meharban Singh Rawat (BJP), Finance Minister Raghavji said there was also no consideration about repealing professional tax or constituting a sixth pay commission.

''The government announced, in the budget, a three per cent hike in DA and pensioners' dearness relief. Attempts will be made to bridge a 12 per cent difference in Centre-state DA. However, additional allowance -- matching the Centre's DA increase for 2006-07 -- will be approved,'' he added.

UNI PKJ-AC VD VC1631