This Diwali, as a gift, the Modi government has announced an increase in pension benefits for central government pensioners. The Cabinet approved an additional three per cent in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners during a meeting on October 16, 2024. This increase, effective from July 1, 2024, is aimed at providing financial relief to pensioners facing rising living costs.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, an official order was issued on October 30, 2024, specifying that both family pensioners and central government pensioners are now entitled to receive 53 percent of their basic pension as DA and DR, up from the previous 50 percent. This reflects that pensioners will receive double the amount they received in the past four months.
DoPPW has notified additional instalment of Dearness Relief @ 3% to Central Government pensioners /family pensioners from existing rate of 50 % to 53% w.e.f. 1.7.24 thereby benefitting 64.89 lakh pensioners pic.twitter.com/ZlitUJUVlT
— DOPPW_India (@DOPPW_India) October 30, 2024
The move is initiated by the central wealth ministry to enhance the quality of life for elderly pensioners by recognizing their contributions to society throughout their careers.
In related news, the Punjab government has also announced a four percent increase in Dearness Allowance for state employees and pensioners, benefiting over 650,000 individuals. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirmed that this increase, which raises the DA from 38 percent to 42 percent, will take effect from November 1, further extending festive goodwill.