Bihar Government Hikes DA by 3% for Employees Ahead of Diwali

The Bihar government has announced a significant increase in the dearness allowance (DA) for state employees and pensioners, raising it by 3 percent. This decision, approved during a cabinet meeting on Friday in Patna, comes as part of a series of proposals aimed at providing relief ahead of the festive season of Diwali and Chhath.

Effective from July 1, 2025, the DA will rise from 55 percent to 58 percent. This adjustment is expected to benefit a large number of government employees, pensioners, and family pensioners across the state. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, “The state government has approved increasing the dearness allowance in line with the Central Government’s decision. This shows our commitment to ensuring that the livelihoods of employees and pensioners are not affected by inflation.”

The DA hike will impose an additional financial burden of approximately Rs 917.78 crore on the state exchequer for the fiscal year 2025-26. Political analysts perceive this move as a strategic effort by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to solidify support from nearly half a million state employees and numerous pensioners as the Bihar Assembly elections approach.

Scholarship Increases for School Students

In addition to the DA increase, the Bihar government has also raised scholarships for school students significantly. Under the Chief Minister’s Boys and Girls Scholarship Scheme, assistance for students has been doubled. Students in classes 1-4 will now receive Rs 1,200 annually, an increase from Rs 600. Students in classes 5-6 will see their scholarships rise to Rs 2,400 from Rs 1,200, while those in classes 7-10 will receive Rs 3,600, up from Rs 1,800.

This initiative aims to provide essential support to underprivileged students in primary, middle, and secondary schools, encouraging them to continue their education. As the elections draw near, both the DA increase and the scholarship enhancements are viewed as populist measures designed to strengthen the ruling party’s appeal among state employees and the families of students.

The approval of 129 proposals across various departments further highlights the Bihar government’s focus on development and welfare initiatives in the lead-up to the elections. These decisions reflect a broader strategy to address the needs of state employees and students, ensuring that their voices are considered in the political landscape.