Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Odisha hikes DA for pre-revised pay scale employees
The Odisha state government has announced a 5% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for its employees and pensioners who are under the pre-revised pay scales.
This hike will take effect from January 2026 and will benefit around 8.5 lakh people, including teachers, university staff, and other government workers.
The government has also decided to pay arrears for the first half of 2026 in cash.
This decision comes after the central government's DA hike and aims to help people cope with rising living costs.
However, some employees feel the hike is not enough given the current inflation rates.
Odisha government approves 5% DA hike for employees and pensioners under pre-revised pay scales.
Hike effective from 1 January 2026, announced on 23 July 2026.
Arrears for January to June 2026 to be paid in cash.
Around 8.5 lakh employees and pensioners to benefit from the hike.
Hike aligns with central government's DA increase and fiscal targets.
- Who
- State government employees and pensioners under the pre-revised Odisha Revised Scales of Pay (ORSP) Rules, 2008
- What
- A 5% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR)
- When
- Effective from 1 January 2026, announced on 23 July 2026
- Where
- Odisha, India
- Why
- To mitigate cost-of-living expenses and align with the central government's DA hike
Government Perspective
Employee Perspective
DA Hike Timing
Government Perspective
The government has aligned the DA hike with the central government's announcement and fiscal targets.
Employee Perspective
Employees believe the hike should have been implemented earlier to mitigate rising living costs.
DA Hike Percentage
Government Perspective
The government considers the 5% hike as a significant measure to support employees and pensioners.
Employee Perspective
Employees argue that the hike is insufficient given the current inflation rates and cost of living.
- Date of Announcement
- 23 July 2026
- Effective Date
- 1 January 2026
- DA Hike Percentage
- 5%
- Number of Beneficiaries
- 8.5 lakh
- Arrears Payment Period
- January to June 2026
- Inflation Rate (June 2026)
- 4.38%
- Food Inflation Rate (June 2026)
- 5.32%