Current Affairs - State - Discussion

The Punjab government notified an 8 percentage-point increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for eligible state government employees, raising the rate from 42% to 50%. The corresponding Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners and family pensioners was also increased from 42% to 50%. The revised rates are effective from September 1, 2026. The decision followed consultations involving employee-trade unions and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The government stated that the increased allowance would provide additional financial support to employees and pensioners amid rising costs of essential commodities and other expenses.