Giving relief to employees and pensioners, the Kerala government has announced a 10 percent increase in dearness allowance. This decision will directly benefit lakhs of employees and retired employees of the state. While the Central Government employees are hopeful about the 8th Pay Commission, the Kerala Government has taken necessary steps. After this increase, DA of the employees will increase from 25 percent to 35 percent, which will significantly increase their total income.

Which employees will get benefits

Different categories of state government employees will benefit from the government’s decision. This includes employees of local bodies, teachers and non-teaching staff of aided schools, colleges and polytechnic institutions. Apart from this, full-time contingent employees will also come under the purview of this increased DA. Not only this, part-time teachers, part-time contingent staff and re-appointed pensioners will also get the benefit. DA will be calculated on the basis of salary.

When will the effect be seen in salary and pension?

The increased dearness allowance will be reflected in the salary for the month of March. At the same time, pensioners will get the benefit of 10 percent increase in dearness relief along with the pension of April. The government has clarified that a separate order will be issued for payment of dues to DA and DR, so that employees and pensioners do not face delays.

Special relief for pensioners

State service pensioners, family pensioners and ex-gratia beneficiaries have also been approved for 10 percent dearness relief. This will provide relief to their income amid inflationary pressure. The government believes that this step was necessary according to the current economic conditions.

The government has also issued guidelines for public sector undertakings, statutory corporations, autonomous bodies, boards and aided institutions. Institutions which follow the DA and DR pattern of the state can apply it as per their financial condition. If an institution is not able to bear the additional expenses, it will have to take prior permission from the state government.

However, institutions where more than 90 per cent of salary or pension expenditure is met by government grants can implement the revised DA and DR without separate government approval with the approval of their governing body.

The order will not apply to these institutions

This order will not currently apply to Kerala State Electricity Board and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation. The government will issue separate instructions for these institutions.