7th Pay Commission Latest: 4% DA Hike For Government Employees Expected Ahead of Diwali?

7th Pay Commission Latest News: In a promising development for government employees in Uttar Pradesh, the state government is likely to announce a 4% hike in the dearness allowance (DA) ahead of the Diwali festival. This increase will benefit approximately 15 lakh government employees and eight lakh pensioners. Additionally, the government is expected to declare bonuses for non-gazetted employees.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is anticipated to finalize this decision following the central government's announcement regarding its own DA hike, which is expected in the last week of September or the first week of October.

The proposed DA increase is expected to impose a burden of around Rs 3,000 crore on the state exchequer. Once implemented, it will positively impact eight lakh state government employees, providing them with much-needed financial relief.

Diwali Bonuses for Non-Gazetted Employees

In addition to the DA hike, the state government may also announce bonuses for non-gazetted employees. The bonuses will be calculated based on the employees' basic salary and DA components. Last year, state employees received bonuses totaling nearly Rs 7,000, and this year's amount is projected to see a slight increase.

While various government employee unions have been advocating for the formation of the 8th Pay Commission, there is currently no proposal under consideration by the state government. In July, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha that two representations had been received regarding the establishment of the 8th Central Pay Commission in June 2024, but no proposal is presently under review.