Government employees and pensioners in Chhattisgarh are demanding an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) before Diwali. The Chhattisgarh Employees and Officers Federation has urged the state government to release the pending 5% DA along with outstanding arrears, bringing the allowance in line with the rates provided to Central Government employees.
The federation has requested the government to take an early decision so that employees and pensioners can receive the revised benefits before the festival.
Chhattisgarh Employees Demand DA at Central Government Rates
Kamal Verma, Provincial Convenor of the Chhattisgarh Employees and Officers Federation and State President of the Chhattisgarh Gazetted Officers Association, has written to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Finance Minister OP Choudhary regarding the demand.
In his letter, he requested both leaders to issue the necessary instructions for releasing the pending DA and arrears.
The federation also referred to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s election manifesto, which promised to provide Dearness Allowance to state government employees at the same rate as Central Government employees, along with the payment of arrears.
State Employees Currently Receiving 58% DA
According to the federation, Chhattisgarh government employees are currently receiving 58% Dearness Allowance. This is 5 percentage points lower than the rate available to Central Government employees.
The organisation has highlighted that rising inflation is increasing the financial burden on government employees and pensioners. Managing household expenses and meeting family requirements have become more difficult due to increasing costs.
Kamal Verma said that the pending DA should be released along with the arrears to provide financial relief to employees and retired government personnel.
Federation May Launch Protest If Demand Is Not Accepted
The issue was also discussed during a provincial meeting of the Chhattisgarh Employees and Officers Federation held on September 6.
During the meeting, members unanimously agreed to approach the state government and request the release of the pending Dearness Allowance before Diwali.
The federation has also indicated that it may organise a strong protest if the government does not respond positively to its demand in the near future.
Employees and pensioners are now awaiting the state government’s decision on the pending 5% DA increase and arrears.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information regarding the demands raised by the Chhattisgarh Employees and Officers Federation. The proposed DA increase and payment of arrears have not been presented as an officially approved government decision. The final DA rate, arrears and payment schedule will depend on the state government’s official announcement. Employees and pensioners should refer to authorised government notifications for confirmed updates.