Chennai: The DMK government has announced an increase in dearness allowance from 17 to 31 per cent to its employees and pensioners that will result in the state incurring an additional annual expenditure of Rs 8,724 crore.
Chief Minister M K Stalin also ordered a special Pongal gift of Rs 3,000 for C and D category employees, Rs 1,000 for those drawing salary in the special pay matrix as well as Rs 500 for pensioners, which includes those receiving special pension.
Despite the fiscal burden, the Chief Minister directed the DA raise and festival gift considering the welfare of all government employees, teachers and pensioners, the government said.
On 7 September, 2021, Stalin had announced in the Assembly that enhanced Dearness Allowance to government employees and pensioners would be advanced by three months and it shall be implemented with effect from 1 January, 2022.