The Telangana government has announced a revision in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for state government employees and pensioners, providing significant financial relief amid rising living costs. The decision will benefit millions of serving employees and retired pensioners across the state.
According to official orders, the DA and DR have been increased from 30.03% to 33.67% for employees and pensioners drawing salaries and pensions under the 2020 Revised Pay Scales. For those under older pay scales, including the 2015 Revised Pay Scales, the allowance has been increased proportionately.
The revised DA and DR will be effective retrospectively from July 1, 2023. The enhanced allowance is set to be paid along with the January 2026 salary and pension, which will be credited in February 2026.
The revision applies to state government employees, teachers, pensioners, family pensioners, and employees working in local bodies, municipalities, panchayats, aided educational institutions and other eligible government supported organisations.
The government has stated that arrears for the period from July 2023 to December 2025 will be adjusted in phases. For serving employees, the arrears will be credited to their General Provident Fund (GPF) accounts, while certain categories, including retirees within a specified period, will receive arrears in cash installments as per government norms.
Officials estimate that the DA and DR revision will place an additional financial burden of approximately ₹227 crore per month on the state exchequer. Despite the fiscal impact, the government described the move as a necessary step to support employees and pensioners facing inflationary pressures.
The decision is being viewed as a major welfare measure and a festival season relief, aimed at improving the purchasing power of government staff and pensioners across Telangana.
