Dearness Allowance Hikes Announced in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar; West Bengal Decision Pending
DA (Dearness Allowance) hike announced in 3 states – Odisha, TN, Bihar; Bengal decision awaited tomorrow: Who gets what
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Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar have announced increases in dearness allowance (DA) for government employees and pensioners, effective January 1, 2026. Odisha and Tamil Nadu will raise DA from 58% to 60%, while Bihar's DA will increase by varying percentages based on the pay commission. West Bengal is expected to make a decision on DA soon.
- 01Odisha's DA hike will benefit approximately 8.5 lakh state government employees and pensioners.
- 02Tamil Nadu's increase will cost the government an additional ₹1,230 crore annually.
- 03Bihar's DA for employees under the 6th Central Pay Commission will rise from 257% to 262%.
- 04The Bihar cabinet approved a 9 percentage point increase for employees under the 5th Central Pay Commission.
- 05West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will discuss DA and the Seventh Pay Commission in a cabinet meeting on May 18.
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The governments of Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar have announced hikes in dearness allowance (DA) for their state government employees and pensioners, effective January 1, 2026. In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed a 2% increase, raising DA from 58% to 60%, benefiting around 8.5 lakh individuals. Similarly, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister announced a 2% hike, also increasing DA to 60%, which will incur an annual cost of approximately ₹1,230 crore ($148 million USD) for the state. In Bihar, the cabinet approved a 5 percentage point increase in DA for those under the 6th Central Pay Commission, raising it from 257% to 262%. For employees under the 5th Central Pay Commission, the DA will rise by 9 percentage points, from 474% to 483%. Meanwhile, West Bengal is expected to announce its decision regarding DA in a cabinet meeting scheduled for May 18, where discussions will also include the potential formation of the Seventh Pay Commission, which could lead to further salary revisions.
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These DA hikes will provide financial relief to government employees and pensioners, helping them cope with inflation and rising living costs.
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