J&K Increases Dearness Allowance by 2% for Government Staff and Pensioners

The Jammu and Kashmir government has raised the dearness allowance (DA) for employees by 2%, moving it from 53% to 55% of basic pay. This change is effective from January 1, 2025. Arrears for the revised DA, covering the period from January to May, will be paid in June 2025. From June onwards, the new rate will be included in monthly salary disbursements.

The hike applies to all government employees under the 7th Pay Commission pay structure. This is the final DA revision under the 7th Pay Commission, which ends on December 31, 2025.

Pensioners Also Covered

The DA increase also applies to pensioners and family pensioners. As per Government Order No. 156-F of 2025, issued on June 4, 2025, their DA will now be 55% of the basic pension/family pension. The arrears for this category will also be paid in June.

For those covered under the 6th Pay Commission, the DA has been raised from 246% to 252%, effective from the same date, January 1, 2025. The revised amount will be included in pension payouts starting in June.

Linked to CPI-IW Movements

As per news reports, the adjustment follows the trend in the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), which is used to determine DA revisions. The index stood at 143.0 in March 2025, up by 0.2 points, and rose further to 143.5 in April 2025 with a 0.5-point increase, according to the Labour Bureau.

Read more: 7th Pay Commission: How Much Increment Do Government Employees Get!

Existing DA Rules Unchanged

All existing conditions related to DA eligibility and calculation remain unchanged. This includes provisions for pensioners drawing multiple pensions or those who are re-employed.

Next Revision Expected in July

The next revision, if any, will be applicable from July 1, 2025. DA changes are generally announced around the festive season.

Conclusion

The current increase closes out DA updates under the 7th Pay Commission, with payments aligned to cost-of-living metrics and existing government procedures.

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