Andhra Pradesh Government Announces DA Hike For Employees

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a dearness allowance (DA) hike for its employees, effective from various dates. The DA has been increased from 22.75% to 30.03% of the basic pay.

In a significant move, the Andhra Pradesh government has issued orders for the release of dearness allowance (DA) to its employees, covering multiple time periods. This announcement comes just a day before the highly anticipated Lok Sabha and Andhra Pradesh assembly elections schedule is set to be declared.

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DA Release for Various Periods

Special Chief Secretary (Finance) Shamsher Singh Rawat issued a government order (GO) for the release of DA to government employees for the period from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. Additionally, orders were issued for the release of DA with effect from January 1, 2022, to eligible government employees.

Furthermore, the government has approved an increase in DA from 22.75% to 26.39% of the basic pay, effective from July 1, 2022. Similarly, the DA has been revised from 26.39% to 30.03% of the basic pay with effect from January 1, 2023.

DA Revision for UGC Pay Scales

The state government also issued orders to revise DA rates for employees drawing revised UGC Pay Scales, 2006, from 212% to 221% of the basic pay with effect from January 1, 2023. Likewise, DA rates for employees drawing revised UGC Pay Scales, 2016, have been revised from 38% to 42% of the basic pay, effective from January 1, 2023.

Payment Schedule

The state government will disburse these DAs in cash along with the salaries of April and May. However, the DA arrears for the period from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, will be paid in three equal installments in the months of August and November 2024 and February 2025.

Arrears for OPS Employees

Special Chief Secretary Rawat clarified that the arrears for Old Pension Scheme (OPS) employees will be credited to their General Provident Fund (GPF) accounts. For employees who joined after September 1, 2004, the arrears will be paid in cash.

In the case of employees retiring during the arrears payment period, the balance arrears will be disbursed along with their retirement benefits.

The Andhra Pradesh government's decision to release DA and revise DA rates for its employees is a welcome move that will provide financial relief and boost the morale of the state's workforce. This announcement holds significance as it comes just before the upcoming elections, reflecting the government's commitment to the welfare of its employees.