At this time, right before the Bihu festival, the fortunate relief is being granted by the government of Assam to thousands of its government employees and pensioners. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday officially broke the news of a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR). With this announcement, the total DA will now come to 55 %, which surely will bring a smile to the faces of many and hope for many families.
Bihu Bonus: DA hike will be implemented from January 1
The announcement truly comes at an auspicious moment. Right, as families of Assam gear up to celebrate the Bihu festival symbolizing prosperity and new this existing gesture stands as a token of appreciation and support from the government. Chief Minister termed it a “Bihu gift,” and in many ways, it is.
This DA change is applicable from January 1, 2025, consistent with the government’s assurance to enhance the well-being of its workforce. The official update is that:
- DA would be enhanced and credited from the March salary for 2025.
- Pending arrears for January and February would be incorporated in the April and May salaries of 2025.
This prompts an opportune boost to inflation, for families to better manage daily expenses alongside rising costs of living.
The central government increased DA
Previously, another 2% DA and DR increase was approved by the Central Government with effect from January 1, 2025, following a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28, 2025. That decision alone went on to affect over 1 crore employees and pensioners across the country and provided a precedent for state governments following suit.
Assam’s decision is not merely one of finance; it is an affirmation of that very commitment to the welfare of all public servants. It is another indication that the labor of state employees is recognized and rewarded.