Uttarakhand Government Announces Dearness Allowance Hike and Ad-hoc Bonus
The Uttarakhand government has announced a 3% increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for government employees, effective from July 1, 2024. This increase brings the DA to 53% of the basic pay.
The arrears of DA from July 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024 will be paid in cash. From October 1, 2024, the increased DA will be added to the regular salary.
This order applies to regular and full-time employees of the state government and officials associated with the UGC. However, it does not automatically extend to high court judges, the chairman and members of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, and employees in certain other categories. Separate orders will be issued for these groups.
In addition to the DA hike, the government has also announced an ad-hoc bonus for the 2023-24 fiscal year. This bonus is applicable to non-gazetted employees of state-aided educational institutions, local bodies, district panchayats, and daily wage workers.
The bonus amount is based on the Government of India's order and is capped at ₹7,000 for a 30-day period. Employees who were in service as of March 31, 2024, with at least six months of continuous service are eligible for the full bonus. Those with less than six months of service will receive a pro-rated bonus.
Casual and daily wage employees who have worked a minimum of 240 days annually over the past three years are also eligible for a bonus of ₹1,184.
Employees found guilty of departmental misconduct or involved in criminal cases will not be eligible for the bonus. However, those reinstated after suspension will qualify.