Himachal Raises Dearness Relief for Pensioners to 50%

Shimla, October 23: The Himachal Pradesh government has enhanced Dearness Relief (DR) for state government pensioners and family pensioners, including All India Services pensioners, to 50% with effect from January 1, 2024.

As per an order issued by the Finance Department, the relief has been increased in two stages. The rate rose from 45% to 46% from July 1, 2023, following a 1% increase, and was further raised to 50% from January 1, 2024, with an additional 4% increase.

The enhanced relief will be paid with the pension or family pension for October 2026, payable in November. The government will take a separate decision on payment of arrears for the period from July 1, 2023, to September 30, 2026.

The order also provides that any 00 of a rupee in the relief amount will be rounded up to the next rupee. Existing provisions governing Dearness Relief during employment or re-employment, and in cases where a pensioner draws more than one pension, will remain unchanged.

The department has discontinued the practice of issuing ready reckoners along with Dearness Relief orders, as the rate is now uniform. Pension Disbursing Authorities, including nationalised banks, will calculate the relief payable to each pensioner.

Samagra Sikhsha