New Delhi, June 18 -- In a major relief for employees in the power sector, the Telangana government has approved a 1.621% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for electricity department staff.

This decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. The effective increase in DA has raised it from 17.651% to 19.272% of an individual's basic pay.

The revision allowances will be implemented with retrospective effect. The implementation date will be 1 January. According to the officials, the move aims to provide much-needed relief to employees and pensioners and help them cope with rising inflation and escalating household expenses.

This particular DA revision will be benef...