Bonanza for HP employees, 10 per cent DA announced

Shimla, Jan 25 (PTI) In a bonanza for state governmentemployees, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumaltoday announced a 10 per DA hike for them and pensioners.

The enhanced DA would be paid in cash from Januarythis year, he told a function marking the 40th anniversaryof the statehood of Himachal Pradesh at Hamirpur.

The arrears from July to December 2010 would creditedin the Provident Fund of the employees, he said.

The move would cost the exchequer over Rs 400 crore,Dhumal said adding the employees would now get 45 per cent oftheir basic pay as DA.

Himachal Pradesh attained full statehood on January25, 1971.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced thelaunch of Organic Farming Project at Hamirpur with financialassistance from Japan.