States » NorthPosted at: Oct 23 2026 6:50PM


Diwali bonanza for govt employees as Himachal CM announces 5 pc DA hike, Rs 10,000 for Class IV staff

Shimla, Oct 23 (UNI)In a Diwali bonanza for state government employees, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced a 5 per cent hike in dearness allowance (DA) and an additional payment of Rs 10,000 for Class IV employees.
Sukhu also rebutted the BJP’s claim that the state’s loan liability had crossed Rs 1.20 lakh crore, pegging the outstanding debt at Rs 99,461 crore as of October 22, 2026.
Addressing media persons here, Sukhu said, "In addition, the remaining 1 per cent DA, which was pending after the earlier release of 3 per cent, is also being released, taking the total DA hike to 5 per cent. I assure all of you that we will move forward step by step, working shoulder-to-shoulder with government employees. We are not here to create difficulties for anyone; rather, we are here to support and protect your interests." Government employees and officials have a service tenure of 60 years, while our term in office is five years, during which we remain accountable to the people, he assured.
"We are committed to working for the welfare of all. The enhanced 5 per cent DA will be credited directly to your bank accounts on the first of the month. The official notification will be issued today so that you can celebrate Diwali with joy and enthusiasm," said the Chief Minister.
Sukhu said the previous BJP government had borrowed Rs 43,261 crore during its five-year tenure, despite receiving annual revenue deficit grants of around Rs 10,000 crore and GST compensation from the Centre.
Sukhu said the present government had borrowed Rs 37,781 crore, adhering to the borrowing limits prescribed by the Centre, with some loans being interest-free. He said the outstanding loan stood at Rs 76,633 crore when the BJP government demitted office, in addition to liabilities of Rs 11,000 crore towards DA arrears and the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.
Sukhu said the government was taking several steps to strengthen the state’s revenue base and achieve economic self-reliance. These included securing a favourable outcome in the long-pending Wild Flower Hall case, reforming the excise policy to improve collections, recovering pending dues and enhancing returns from hydropower resources. He said these measures were aimed at reducing dependence on borrowings and improving the state’s financial position.
UNI BN
Tags: #Diwali bonanza for govt employees as Himachal CM announces 5 pc DA hike# Rs 10#000 for Class IV staff
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