Punjab Government Announces 8% Hike in Dearness Allowance for Employees and Pensioners

September 30, 2026

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has announced an 8% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and pensioners. The announcement was made following a meeting between the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and representatives of employee and pensioner organisations.

With the latest increase, the total DA will rise to 50%. According to the government, the decision will benefit around 8 lakh employees and pensioners across the state.

Higher DA to Reflect in October Salary

The Punjab government said employees will begin receiving the benefit of the increased DA with their October salary. The 8% increase is expected to be implemented in two instalments of 4% each.

Following the meeting, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the discussions with employee and pensioner representatives were positive. He described government employees as an important part of the government’s extended family and said their concerns would be addressed through dialogue.

Old Pension Scheme and Other Pending Issues Discussed

The meeting also covered several long-pending issues concerning government employees. These included the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), salaries during the probation period, and issues related to ASHA workers and Mid-Day Meal workers.

The government and employee organisations are expected to hold another meeting in the first week of October to discuss possible long-term solutions to these issues.

Policy Focus on Posting of Women Employees

The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced a policy focus on the posting of women government employees within a 40-kilometre radius of their homes. According to Mann, the objective is to help women employees better balance their professional responsibilities with family commitments.

Government Highlights 70,000 Jobs

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted the government’s record on recruitment, claiming that around 70,000 government jobs have been provided in the state through what he described as a transparent and corruption-free process.

According to the Punjab government, merit and candidates’ hard work have been given priority in the recruitment process.

The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the Punjab government and its employees would continue working together towards the development and progress of the state.