The governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka have announced hikes in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, with the revised rates effective retrospectively from July 1, 2026.
While Arunachal Pradesh has increased DA and DR by three percentage points, Karnataka has raised the DA rate by 2.25 percentage points for employees and pensioners covered under the state’s 2024 Revised Pay Scales.
Here are the details of the two announcements.
Arunachal Pradesh: DA, DR raised to 63%
The Arunachal Pradesh government has increased DA for state government employees and DR for pensioners and family pensioners from 60% to 63%, a hike of three percentage points.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the decision in a post on X on November 6, confirming that the revised rates would be applicable from July 1, 2026.
The benefit will also extend to All India Services (AIS) officers serving under the state government and central government employees on deputation to Arunachal Pradesh.
How will the arrears be paid?
The state government will pay arrears for the four-month period from July to October in cash. The amount will be credited directly to the salary accounts of serving employees and pension accounts of pensioners and family pensioners.
The revised DA and DR will be paid along with the November salary and pension, Khandu said.
Karnataka: DA increased to 18%
The Karnataka government has raised DA for state government employees from 15.75% to 18%, an increase of 2.25 percentage points.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara announced the decision on November 5, saying the government had issued orders for the revision.
The enhancement covers employees drawing salaries under the 2024 Revised Pay Scales. It will also benefit retired government employees and family pensioners.
The revised rate will be applicable retrospectively from July 1, 2026.
The government has not specified the arrears payment schedule in the announcement cited here.
What is the difference between DA and DR?
Dearness Allowance (DA) is paid to serving government employees to help offset the impact of inflation on their purchasing power. Dearness Relief (DR) is the corresponding benefit provided to pensioners and family pensioners.
Both are generally revised periodically to account for changes in the cost of living.
Since the two states have announced retrospective revisions from July 1, eligible employees and pensioners will be entitled to the difference between the earlier and revised rates for the applicable period.
-With PTI inputs