New Delhi, Nov. 5 -- State government employees and pensioners in Gujarat and Punjab have received a dearness allowance (DA) boost ahead of Diwali, with both state governments announcing a 3% increase on 4 November 2026.

The revisions will raise the DA rate in both states, although the effective dates and arrears payment schedules differ. Here is a look at the revised DA rates, when the hikes take effect, and how much beneficiaries can expect in arrears.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced a 3 percentage-point increase in DA for state government employees and pensioners, benefiting around 8 lakh beneficiaries.

According to a PTI report, "this decision will benefit around 8 lakh government employees and pensioners...