Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has indicated that the state government is considering releasing an instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees and pensioners around Diwali. The announcement was made during a public meeting in Kaza, where the chief minister was on a two-day visit to the Spiti Valley, according to PTI.
During his visit, Sukhu highlighted the government’s focus on improving living conditions and infrastructure in the state’s cold desert regions. He also announced plans for a tunnel beneath Kunzum Pass to improve year-round road connectivity for local residents and tourists.
The state government plans to spend ₹500 crore on Spiti’s development in the coming years. A survey will also be conducted to explore the construction of a heliport in Kaza, with the aim of supporting tourism and improving facilities for residents.
DA and Pending Arrears for Employees and Pensioners
Earlier in July, Sukhu said the government was reviewing the pending DA instalments and arrears of state employees and pensioners. The state’s financial position was also assessed during a high-level meeting of the Finance Department.
In August, while addressing a gathering in Dehra, Kangra, the chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of employees and pensioners. He said the DA payment would be made in due course.
Sukhu also stated that pensioners above 67 years of age had received their full arrears, leave encashment and gratuity, according to PTI.
In another announcement, the chief minister said Class-IV employees who retired between January 1, 2016, and January 31, 2022, would receive an additional ₹20,000 over and above their salary arrears. He also said directions would be issued to remove the basic-pay-related condition applicable to Class-I, Class-II and Class-III pensioners.
Financial Assistance for Fishermen Under Government Scheme
During the visit, Sukhu distributed financial assistance cheques worth ₹3,500 each to 800 fishermen under the Mukhyamantri Machhuaara Samman Nidhi Yojana.
The assistance was transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, according to the report.
The initiative is intended to provide financial support to eligible fishermen through direct payments.
Medical Officers’ Salaries Increased by 78%
In a separate decision announced earlier in August, the Himachal Pradesh government approved a 78% increase in the monthly salaries of contract and trainee medical officers working as specialists under the 7th Pay Commission, according to PTI.
Following the revision, their monthly pay increased from ₹33,600 to ₹60,000. The government said the move was intended to encourage specialist doctors to work in public healthcare institutions and strengthen medical services in remote areas.
The state government also revised the stipends of postgraduate medical students studying at government medical colleges. According to an ANI report, the revised monthly amounts are as follows:
- First-year PG students: Increased from ₹40,000 to ₹50,000.
- Second-year PG students: Increased from ₹45,000 to ₹60,000.
- Third-year PG students: Increased from ₹50,000 to ₹65,000.
Higher Stipends for Senior Residents and Specialists
The government also increased the monthly stipends of senior residents and specialist doctors working in medical colleges, recognising their role in providing healthcare services.
According to the ANI report, the revised stipends include:
- Senior Residents and Tutor Specialists: Increased from ₹60,000–₹65,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month.
- Super Specialists and Senior Residents (Super Specialists): Increased from ₹60,000–₹65,000 to ₹1,30,000 per month.
These measures form part of the state’s efforts to strengthen healthcare staffing and encourage specialist doctors to serve in government institutions.
For state employees and pensioners awaiting their DA instalment, the Diwali payment remains under consideration based on the chief minister’s statement. The final decision and payment schedule will depend on an official government announcement.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the reports and statements referenced in the supplied material. The proposed DA payment should not be treated as confirmed until the Himachal Pradesh government issues an official notification. Employees and pensioners should consult official government announcements for the latest information on DA, arrears and salary-related benefits.