Lucknow: In a festive relief for government employees and pensioners, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to release February salaries and pensions in advance, ensuring financial convenience before Holi celebrations.
February Salary and Pension to Be Released on February 28
The government has issued an official order stating that the February salary for all state government employees will be credited on 28th February 2026. On the same day, pensions and family pensions will also be paid.
This decision has been taken to avoid any delay in salary distribution due to upcoming public holidays, ensuring employees and pensioners receive funds without any inconvenience during the festival season.
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Public Holidays Impact Salary Timing
According to the order:
- 1st March 2026 will be a general holiday.
- 2nd March 2026 will be observed as Holika Dahan, a public holiday.
Given the consecutive holidays, there was a possibility of salary delays. To prevent this, the government, with Governor approval, decided to release salaries before the festival.
Employees of Aided Institutions and Local Bodies Covered
The order clarifies that the directive applies not only to government employees but also to:
- Employees of aided educational institutions
- Personnel of local bodies
All District Magistrates and Treasury Officers have been instructed to ensure timely salary and pension payments on 28th February, with strict compliance to avoid any delays.
Basic and Secondary Education Employees to Receive Early Salary
The Directorate of School Education has instructed that all officers and employees of the Basic and Secondary Education Department, including outsourced, contractual, and daily-wage staff, should also receive their salaries before 2nd March 2026, ahead of Holika Dahan (2nd March) and Holi (4th March).
Teachers’ Discontent Over Selection Pay
While salaries and pensions are being disbursed early, dissatisfaction persists among teachers in council-run schools regarding the selection pay after 10 years of satisfactory service.
- In many districts, teachers have not yet received their selection pay, even six months after becoming eligible.
- Sushil Kumar Pandey, state president of the Uttar Pradesh Primary Teachers Association (Pandey faction), criticized officials’ inaction, stating that teachers are being forced to protest due to administrative delays.
- He highlighted that despite the online selection module launched in December 2024, which was intended to reduce office visits, teachers are still facing delays due to official negligence.
Employee Organizations Welcome Early Payment
Employee unions and pensioner associations have welcomed the government’s decision, calling it a timely financial relief that will help employees and pensioners celebrate Holi without financial stress.
