Gujarat and Punjab raise dearness allowance by 3% from Nov 2026

Gujarat and Punjab state governments have announced a uniform 3% increase in dearness allowance (DA) for their salaried staff, with the revised rates taking effect from November 2026. The decision, reported by Livemint, aims to adjust the cost‑of‑living component of government wages in line with inflation trends. Both states released the updated DA tables, outlining the new percentages that will be applied to employee salaries across various departments. The increase is expected to provide modest relief to government employees facing rising living expenses. Officials indicated that the adjustment will be reflected in the November payroll cycle, and the revised rates will be communicated to all concerned departments.

The dearness allowance is a statutory component of pay for central and state government employees, designed to offset inflationary pressures on daily expenses. A 3% hike aligns with similar adjustments made by other states in recent months, reflecting a broader trend of periodic DA revisions. While the increase is modest, it is significant for lower‑paid staff who rely heavily on DA for essential expenditures.

The announcement does not affect private‑sector workers, whose salary structures are governed by separate market dynamics. The state finance departments will monitor inflation indices to determine if further adjustments are needed before the next review cycle.