Punjab raises dearness allowance by 8 percentage points for employees and pensioners

The Punjab Government has raised the dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees and pensioners by 8 percentage points, from 42 per cent to 50 per cent.

According to the notification issued by the Department of Finance on September 23, 2026, the increase takes effect from September 1, 2026. The enhanced DA will be paid with the salary for September 2026, while pensioners will receive the benefit in line with the relevant rules.

The decision follows a recent meeting between representatives of employee unions and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, at which several issues concerning employees, including the demand for a higher dearness allowance, were discussed in detail.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the enhanced DA will give employees and pensioners additional financial support at a time when household expenses and the prices of essential commodities have risen.

The Chief Minister assured that the government would continue to take appropriate steps in the interest of employees and pensioners, and that their genuine demands would be considered sympathetically.