DA, DR Hike by 2%
Agartala/Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government, led by CM Pema Khandu, has officially approved a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR).
The hike will be effective January 1, 2026.
This significant move benefits over 1.09 lakh state employees and pensioners.
The hike aligns with the state’s financial policies with recent Central Government directives, officials said.
Quick Glance: Key Highlights
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Rate Increase: DA and DR raised from 58% to 60% of basic pay/pension.
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Total Beneficiaries: 69,248 serving employees and 40,477 pensioners.
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Financial Impact: Annual burden of Rs 100.54 crore on the state exchequer.
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Arrears: Cash disbursement for January–April 2026 starting in May.
Govt of Arunachal Pradesh Enhances Financial Support
In a move to bolster the financial well-being of the state’s workforce, the administration in Itanagar has greenlit a 2% hike in allowances.
According to an X post of the CM, the decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting those dedicated to public service.
We are pleased to announce the enhancement of Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners/family pensioners from 58% to 60%, effective 1st January 2026.
This revision will benefit approximately 69,248 employees and 40,477 pensioners across the… pic.twitter.com/16FX15SqEk
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) May 6, 2026
This hike is not isolated; it follows the Government of India’s official memorandums. Issued on April 22 and April 24, 2026, it implemented similar enhancements for central employees.
By mirroring these steps, Arunachal Pradesh ensures its personnel maintain parity with national inflation-adjustment standards.
Scope of the DA/DR Revision
The revision is comprehensive, covering a wide range of personnel serving across the state’s various departments. The 60% rate is now applicable to:
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All regular state government employees.
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All India Service (AIS) officers serving in Arunachal Pradesh.
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Central government personnel currently on deputation within the state.
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All pensioners and family pensioners receiving DR.
Detailed Financial Breakdown
The state has meticulously calculated the fiscal requirements for this update.
The total immediate financial implication, including arrears, is estimated to reach Rs 117.30 crore.
| Category | Annual Expenditure (Estimated) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Rs 83.31 Crore |
| Dearness Relief (DR) | Rs 17.24 Crore |
| Total Annual Burden | Rs 100.54 Crore |
| Arrears (Jan–April 2026) | Rs 33.51 Crore |
Implementation and Arrears Disbursement
Employees can look forward to seeing the updated figures in their regular monthly salary and pension payments starting from May 2026.
Furthermore, the authorities have confirmed that the arrears accumulated between January and April will be paid out in cash.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu extended his greetings to the workforce. He emphasized that this financial support should serve as motivation.

He expressed his expectation that the state employees would continue to work wholeheartedly to ensure that government benefits reach the most marginalized sections of Arunachal society.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the new DA hike in Arunachal Pradesh?
All regular state employees, All India Service officers in the state, central staff on deputation, and all categories of state pensioners are eligible.
2. When will the increased DA/DR be reflected in salaries?
The revised rates are effective from January 1, 2026, but will be included in the regular monthly payouts starting May 2026.
3. How will the arrears for the previous months be paid?
The arrears for the period of January to April 2026 will be disbursed to employees and pensioners in cash.
