LUCKNOW, Oct. 17, 2025

In a festive announcement ahead of Diwali, the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday raised the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for state employees and pensioners. The rates have been increased from 55% to 58%, effective from July 1, 2025, according to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

In a post on X, CM Yogi stated, “The Government of Uttar Pradesh has increased the rate of dearness allowance and dearness relief for state employees and pensioners/family pensioners from 55% to 58% effective from 01 July, 2025.” He described the decision as a step toward improving the standard of living for government staff and retirees, highlighting that it would bring satisfaction, security, and prosperity to approximately 28 lakh workers and pensioners across the state during the festive season.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had announced a special Diwali bonus for 14.82 lakh state employees, with the state government bearing a total expenditure of Rs 1,022 crore. The bonus, based on 30 days’ emoluments, would amount to a maximum of Rs 6,908 per employee, according to reports from the UP Chief Minister’s office.

The announcement aligns with similar festive measures taken by other states to support government employees. For instance, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma recently declared an ad hoc bonus for around six lakh state employees. The bonus is applicable to those at pay level L-12 or with a grade pay of Rs 4,800 or less, with each eligible employee set to receive a maximum of Rs 6,774. CM Sharma described the bonus as a “special gift” for employees on the occasion of Diwali and confirmed that the benefit would extend to employees of Panchayat Samiti and District Council as well.

Similarly, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced an ad hoc bonus of up to Rs 7,000 for Class-4 employees to make their Diwali celebrations more joyful. This bonus covers approximately 16,921 employees working under state cabinet departments, the Legislative Assembly, panchayats, university-affiliated colleges, grant-in-aid schools and colleges, and state government boards and corporations where bonuses are not otherwise provided.

The series of announcements reflects a focus by state governments on providing additional financial support to their employees and pensioners during the festival season. The increases in DA and DR in Uttar Pradesh, along with bonuses in multiple states, are aimed at enhancing the financial security and morale of government workers while acknowledging their service and dedication.

These initiatives come at a time when many employees and pensioners depend on such allowances and bonuses to meet festive expenses and manage rising costs of living. By raising the DA and DR and granting bonuses, state governments are ensuring that employees feel valued and supported during Diwali, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his congratulations to all employees and pensioners in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing that these measures would improve their quality of life and contribute to a sense of financial stability, safety, and festive joy across the state. The government’s timely decision aims to spread happiness and reinforce goodwill among its workforce during the festival season.

 UP Government Hikes Dearness Allowance and Relief Ahead of Diwali

The Uttar Pradesh government has increased Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief for state employees and pensioners from 55% to 58%, effective July 1, 2025. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said this decision will bring satisfaction, security, and prosperity to about 28 lakh workers and retirees during the festive season. Earlier, a special Diwali bonus of up to Rs 6,908 was announced for 14.82 lakh employees. Similar bonuses have also been declared in Rajasthan and Gujarat for state employees. These measures aim to support employees and pensioners, ensuring financial stability and happiness during Diwali celebrations.