The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has approved a 3 per cent hike in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees, taking it from 50 per cent to 53 per cent of their basic salary. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting held on Sunday. According to ANI, the increase in DA is to be applied retroactively from July this year.

Chief Minister Sarma, addressing the press, announced that state employees will start receiving their DA arrears in instalments beginning in December. The arrears will be paid over four months, with 25 per cent of the amount disbursed each month, concluding in March. The Chief Minister described this increment as a “Diwali gift” from the government to its employees, offering financial support as the festival season approaches.