Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Announces 4% DA Hike As 'New Year Gift' For Govt Employees

The increase, effective January 1, 2023, would benefit about 16 lakh staff and the decision was taken after considering the representation of government employees, he said

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin.

Source : Twitter/@CMOTamilnadu

The Dearness Allowance (DA) for Tamil Nadu state government employees including teachers, pensioners and family pensioners would be increased from 34 per cent to 38 per cent with immediate effect, Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Sunday.

The increase, effective January 1, 2023, would benefit about 16 lakh staff and the decision was taken after considering the representation of government employees, the chief minister said. He announced an increase of 4 per cent in Dearness Allowance as a "new year gift" for the state government employees.   

அரசு அலுவலர்கள் மற்றும் ஆசிரியர்களுக்கு புத்தாண்டு பரிசாக 34 சதவீதமாக உள்ள அகவிலைப்படி 1.1.2023 முதல் 38 சதவீதமாக உயர்த்தி வழங்கப்படும் என மாண்புமிகு முதலமைச்சர் @mkstalin அவர்கள் அறிவித்துள்ளார். pic.twitter.com/D02vm9WY1W

— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) January 1, 2023

Though the move would entail an additional annual expenditure of Rs 2,359 crore, the government has taken up the financial burden considering the welfare of state employees. "The state will incur a loss of Rs 2,359 crore on an annual basis. But, considering the welfare of the government employees, teachers and pensions the state will bear the cost," CM Stalin said, as quoted by Times of India.

On the protest of government teachers seeking 'equal pay for equal work', he said a committee of three top officials, headed by Finance Secretary-Expenditure, including the secretary of school education department and director of primary education will be constituted. The government has decided to take steps based on the recommendations of the panel, he said.

Terming the DA hike a 'New Year gift,' he appealed to the staff to cooperate with the government in its efforts aimed at people's welfare and prosperity.

(With PTI inputs)