New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- The Sikkim government has announced an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, according to a Finance Department circular issued on Thursday.

The revised rates will take effect on January 1 and will apply to employees and pensioners covered under both the pre-revised and revised basic pay structures.

For state government employees and pensioners drawing their pay or pension under the pre-revised basic pay structure, the DA and DR have been increased from 257% to 262%.

The revised rate will be effective from January 1, as specified in the government circular.

For those drawing pay under the revised basic pay structure, the DA and DR have been raise...