The Kerala government has announced a significant enhancement in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for teaching staff under various central and state educational schemes, alongside an increase in Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners. This move is set to provide financial relief to thousands of educators and retired personnel across the state.
Details of the DA and DR Hike
The latest order from the state Finance Department details the following key increases for teaching staff:
- For Teaching Staff under UGC/AICTE/Medical Education Schemes (Revised Pay Scale):
- The DA rate for teaching staff who shifted to the revised scale from January 1, 2016, or later, has been increased from 42% to 46%. This represents a 4% hike.
- For Teaching Staff under UGC/AICTE/Medical Education Schemes (Sixth Pay Scale):
- The DA rate for staff continuing in the sixth pay scale effective from January 1, 2006, or thereafter, will be enhanced from 221% to 230%.
The order also includes a corresponding hike in Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners:
- For UGC Pensioners/Family Pensioners (Revised Pension):
- The DR rate for those whose pension was revised as per the 2020 government order will be increased from 42% to 46%.
- For UGC Pensioners/Family Pensioners (Unrevised Pension):
- The DR rate for those whose pension was not revised as per the 2020 order will be raised from 221% to 230%.
🗓️ Effective Date of Payment
The enhanced DA will be payable to the employees along with the salary due for October 2025. Similarly, the increased DR will be applicable with the pension due for November 2025.
broader Scope and Financial Impact
This specific announcement for the UGC, AICTE, and Medical Education teaching staff follows a broader order issued a day earlier, which also increased the DA for a large section of state employees and teachers:
- All State Government Employees and Teachers: The DA for state government employees, teachers, staff of aided schools, private colleges, and polytechnics, was also ordered to be increased.
- Local Government Staff: Employees of local bodies are also covered by the general DA enhancement, though the additional expenditure for this category must be met from their own funds.
- Part-time Employees and Re-employed Pensioners: Part-time teachers, part-time contingent employees, and re-employed pensioners will also benefit from the enhanced DA based on their pay.
The government’s decision to effect these simultaneous hikes underscores its commitment to the welfare of its employees and pensioners, providing a necessary financial cushion against rising living costs. This move is expected to be a major morale booster for the education sector, affirming the state’s prioritization of its educational workforce.
