J&K

J&K Government Increases Dearness Allowance for Pensioners to 55%, Effective January 2025

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J&K
Srinagar, June 10, 2025: In a significant move aimed at providing financial relief to retired government employees, the Jammu and Kashmir government has officially announced a 2% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for its pensioners and family pensioners, raising the rate from 53% to 55%. This decision aligns the Union Territory with the recent DA hike implemented by the Central Government and comes as a much-needed relief in the face of rising inflation.

What Is Dearness Allowance?

Dearness Allowance is a cost-of-living adjustment paid to government employees and pensioners to mitigate the impact of inflation on their purchasing power. It is calculated as a percentage of the basic pay or pension and is revised periodically based on inflation data, particularly the Consumer Price Index.

Effective Date and Payment Schedule

The revised DA rate will be applicable from January 1, 2025. As per the official order issued on June 4, 2025, the arrears from January to May 2025 will be paid in a lump sum in June 2025. From the same month onwards, the revised DA will be reflected in the monthly pension disbursements. This ensures that pensioners benefit from the full hike without delays or backlogs.

Special Relief for Special-Category Pensioners

In a parallel announcement, the J&K government has also raised the Dearness Allowance for special-category pensioners. For these beneficiaries, the DA has been increased from 246% to 252% of the basic pension or family pension — a substantial 6% hike. This category includes specific vulnerable or high-need pensioners, and the enhanced rate will also be effective from January 1, 2025, with arrears being settled in June.

Context and Central Government Influence

This move follows the Central Government’s announcement in March 2025, where it raised DA for central government employees and pensioners from 53% to 55%. The DA had previously been revised in July 2024, increasing from 50% to 53%. Typically, such revisions by the Centre set a precedent for state and UT administrations, and Jammu and Kashmir’s latest decision reflects this broader trend of aligning with national policy.

Wider Impact and Pensioner Sentiment

This DA revision will positively impact thousands of pensioners and family pensioners across Jammu and Kashmir, providing them with better financial stability in the face of rising living costs. The move is expected to enhance the standard of living for retired employees and reflects the government’s intent to support its former workforce during uncertain economic times.

For many pensioners, especially those in remote or high-cost regions of the Union Territory, this increase could make a meaningful difference in their monthly household budgets.

Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
Kuldeep Singh Chundawat
My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.