Diwali Gift for Himachal Employees: CM Sukhu announces DA hike, arrears for Class IV Staff
Babushahi Bureau
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), October 23, 2026: The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has announced a Diwali gift for state government employees, with a 5 per cent Dearness Allowance (DA) increase and an additional ₹10,000 towards arrears for Class IV employees.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the measures, saying the government wanted employees to celebrate the festival with greater happiness while reaffirming its commitment to their welfare.
According to the announcement, employees will receive a 5 per cent DA increase from November 1. This includes a fresh 4 per cent increase along with the pending 1 per cent DA.
The Chief Minister also announced an additional ₹10,000 for Class IV employees, stating that the amount would be adjusted against their pending pay and pension arrears.
“While we are granting a 5 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance to government employees, we are also providing an additional ₹10,000 to Class IV employees so that they can celebrate Diwali with greater happiness,” Sukhu said.
He added that the government was working for the welfare of employees and expressed confidence that they would contribute to making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant.
The announcement is expected to bring relief to government employees ahead of Diwali, particularly Class IV staff awaiting the settlement of their arrears. The government extended advance Diwali greetings to all employees and officials of the state.