New Delhi: Ahead of Diwali celebrations, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for its state employees and pensioners. The rates have been enhanced from 55% to 58%, effective retroactively from July 1, 2025, as confirmed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday.
Sharing the update on social media platform X, CM Yogi highlighted that this move is aimed at improving the quality of life for nearly 28 lakh government workers and pensioners. He described the decision as a source of “satisfaction, security, and prosperity” during the festival season.
Bonus for Nearly 15 Lakh UP Employees Approved
In addition to the DA hike, CM Yogi had earlier announced a special Diwali bonus for 14.82 lakh state employees. The Uttar Pradesh government will incur an expenditure of Rs 1,022 crore to provide bonuses up to Rs 6,908 per employee, calculated on the basis of 30 days’ salary. This bonus is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to reward and support employees during the festive period.
Rajasthan Announces Ad Hoc Bonus for Six Lakh Employees
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has also declared an ad hoc bonus for around six lakh state employees on the occasion of Diwali. The bonus is targeted at employees drawing pay levels up to L-12 or with a grade pay of Rs 4,800 or below.
In a message on X, CM Sharma described this announcement as a “special gift” from the government to employees, underlining the administration’s focus on good governance and welfare. Eligible employees will receive a maximum bonus amounting to Rs 6,774. This benefit will also extend to Panchayat Samiti and District Council employees, expanding the scope of the festive cheer.
Gujarat Grants Up to Rs 7,000 Bonus for Class-4 Employees
Similarly, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced an ad hoc bonus of up to Rs 7,000 for approximately 16,921 Class-4 employees to enhance their Diwali celebrations. This includes employees from various state departments, legislative offices, educational institutions affiliated with the government, panchayats, and government boards and corporations where bonuses are not typically provided.
This initiative is part of Gujarat’s commitment to recognize the contributions of its workforce, particularly the lower-tier employees, ahead of the festival season.
Conclusion
With Diwali around the corner, state governments in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat have stepped forward to provide financial relief and festive bonuses to their employees and pensioners. These moves aim to support the workforce’s economic well-being and boost morale, reflecting the governments’ dedication to their employees’ welfare and festive happiness.
