Odisha CM Announces 3% DA Hike for Employees Ahead of Diwali

Bhubaneswar, Oct 16 (UNI): In a festive gesture ahead of Diwali, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday announced a 3 percent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees.

With the latest revision, the DA rate will increase from 55 percent to 58 percent, effective retrospectively from July 1, 2025, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The enhanced DA will be reflected in the October salary.

In addition, the Chief Minister also approved a 3 percent increase in Dearness Relief (DR) for state pensioners. The revised DR will be included in the October pension.

Officials said the decision will benefit around 8.5 lakh government employees and pensioners across Odisha. The move comes as a festive relief measure aimed at supporting government staff and retirees amid rising living costs.