Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Punjab Raises Employee DA to 50%, Announces Monthly Talks
The Punjab government decided to give employees and pensioners more money through a higher Dearness Allowance.
The allowance will rise by 8 percentage points, reaching 50%.
The extra amount will come in two parts of 4% each.
The benefit will apply from October 1 and be paid with the September salary.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also said the government would study several employee requests.
These include bringing back the Old Pension Scheme and changing some allowances.
Government representatives and employees will meet every month to discuss problems.
Women employees are to receive postings within 40 kilometres of their homes.
The government said it must support employees while also managing Punjab’s finances.
Punjab approved an 8% Dearness Allowance increase for about eight lakh employees and pensioners, taking DA to 50%.
The increase will be paid in two instalments of 4% each, applicable from October 1 alongside the September salary.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government will examine demands including the Old Pension Scheme and restored allowances.
Monthly meetings with employee representatives will be held, with the next meeting scheduled for the first week of October.
Women government employees will receive postings within 40 kilometres of their homes, according to the government.
- Who
- The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, and the state’s employees and pensioners.
- What
- The government approved an 8% DA increase to 50%, announced monthly employee meetings, and promised to examine several service-related demands.
- When
- The decision was announced on Friday; the DA benefit applies from October 1, with the next employee meeting planned for the first week of October.
- Where
- Punjab.
- Why
- The government said the measures aim to support employees and pensioners, address long-pending concerns, and maintain dialogue while considering financial and legal limits.
Employee demands
Punjab government position
Pending service issues
Employee demands
Employee representatives are seeking measures including restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, various allowances, Assured Career Progression, a 2.59 pension multiplication factor, and changes concerning probation-period salaries.
Punjab government position
The government said it would examine these demands under applicable rules and in light of their financial and legal implications.
Employee-government engagement
Employee demands
Employees have long-pending concerns that require a regular forum for discussion.
Punjab government position
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced compulsory monthly meetings so concerns can be raised directly and addressed before becoming major disputes.
Financial support
Employee demands
The DA increase provides additional support to employees, pensioners, and their families, particularly ahead of the festive season.
Punjab government position
The government said employee welfare must be balanced with Punjab’s overall financial position and that resources would be used responsibly.
- DA increase
- 8 percentage points
- New DA rate
- 50%
- Beneficiaries
- Around eight lakh state employees and pensioners
- Payment schedule
- Two instalments of 4% each
- Effective date
- October 1, alongside the September salary
- Employee meetings
- Compulsory monthly meetings; the next is planned for the first week of October
- Women’s postings
- Within 40 kilometres of their homes