The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government has announced a raise in the dearness allowance (DA) of its government employees and pensioners. The decision announced on 12 December, 2023, has increased the DA to 46 per cent, marking a four per cent hike from the previous rate of 42 per cent.
The directive from the finance department, applies to government employees in regular pay levels under the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. Additionally, it covers pensioners and family pensioners.
The revised DA rate of 46 per cent of basic pay/pension/family pension will be effective from 1 July, 2023. The ‘basic pay’ here refers to the salary received in the designated level of the pay matrix as per the 7th Pay Commission recommendations. However, it explicitly excludes any other forms of compensation such as special pay.
The order further states that the arrears resulting from the additional instalment of DA, spanning from July 2023 to November 2023, will be deposited in the GPF accounts for employees appointed before 1 January, 2010. For the New Pension Scheme (NPS) employees, these arrears will be paid in cash. The revised DA will be integrated into the monthly salary starting from December 2023.
The order also specifies that when calculating DA payments involving a fraction of 50 paise and above, the amount will be rounded up to the next higher rupee, while fractions less than 50 paise will be disregarded.
Other regulations related to the awarding of DA on pension and family pension, including those governing DA during employment or re-employment, instances where more than one pension is received, and any other provisions outlined in existing rules or orders (that do not contradict the provisions of this particular order), will persist and remain applicable.
1 Comment
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Very well written!