Uttarakhand CM Dhami approves dearness allowance hike, key development projects

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a revision in dearness allowance (DA) for employees of public bodies and undertakings, along with fresh approvals for several development projects across the state.

The revision, which will come into effect from January 1, 2025, increases DA from 455 percent to 466 percent for employees drawing salaries under the fifth pay scale, and from 246 percent to 252 percent for those under the sixth pay scale. Confirming the decision, the Chief Minister’s office said, “Approved the increase in the current rate of dearness allowance from 455 percent to 466 percent from January 01, 2025 for the employees of public bodies undertakings drawing salary in the fifth central pay scale and the increase in the current rate of dearness allowance from 246 percent to 252 percent from January 01, 2025 for the employees of public bodies or undertakings drawing salary in the sixth central pay scale.”

In addition to the DA hike, the government has cleared major allocations for infrastructure and development. The Chief Minister sanctioned ₹417.72 lakh for additional residential buildings at the under-construction District Jail in Pithoragarh and ₹251.49 lakh for new residential buildings at the Sub Jail in Roorkee. For the Dharchula assembly constituency of Pithoragarh district, he approved ₹95.49 lakh for the construction of a check dam at Kilatam under Ralam, releasing ₹57.294 lakh—60 percent of the sanctioned amount—as the first installment.

Development funds have also been earmarked for Champawat district, where ₹81.50 lakh has been approved for the beautification of Hanuman Mandir Mela Sthal in Ladhauli, Aadi Mela Sthal in Kalukhan, and Footling Kalukhan. Out of the total, ₹48.90 lakh has been sanctioned as the first installment.

Emphasizing his government’s commitment to welfare and employment, Dhami reaffirmed support for ex-servicemen and Agniveers. “It is our responsibility to give them respect and employment opportunities. This decision is a concrete step towards securing the future of retired Agniveers. Our government is trying to provide employment to ex-servicemen and Agniveers in every way,” he said.