Bihar Government Raises DA from 60% to 63% Ahead of Chhath Puja

The Bihar government has increased dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees from 60% to 63%, with the revised rate effective from July 1, 2026.  

The decision was approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday, according to news reports citing PTI. 

DA and DR Rates Revised 

The increase also applies to dearness relief (DR) paid to pensioners and family pensioners. For those covered under the 7th Pay Commission, the rate has been raised by 3 percentage points.  

Employees and pensioners covered under the 5th Pay Commission will see their DA and DR increase from 483% to 497%. The announcement was made ahead of Chhath Puja, which will be celebrated from November 13 to 16 this year. 

Employees to Receive Four Months of Arrears 

The revised DA will be applicable to serving state government employees, pensioners and family pensioners covered under the respective pay structures. 

Employees will receive the difference in allowance for the period between July 1 and October 31, 2026, as cash arrears. The payment will cover the four months during which the revised rate was applicable but had not yet been announced. 

The Central Government had also announced a 3 percentage point increase in DA for its employees earlier in October. The revised rate took effect from July 1, 2026, taking the allowance from 60% to 63%. 

When Is DA Revised? 

Dearness allowance is revised twice a year, with changes generally taking effect from January 1 and July 1. The January revision is usually announced in March or April, while the July revision is commonly announced in October. 

The rate is calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), released every month by the Labour Bureau. DA and DR revisions are linked to changes in the cost of living and inflation. 

Cabinet Approves Career Progression Scheme 

In a separate decision, the Bihar Cabinet approved the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme for regular employees of urban local bodies. 

The scheme will provide financial progression to employees who have spent years in the same post without regular promotions. The proposal was submitted by the Urban Development and Housing Department. 

Read More: Centre Doubles Open Market Rice Sales Target to 5 Million Tonnes! 

Conclusion 

The DA revision covers serving employees, pensioners and family pensioners across the applicable pay structures. The revised rates take effect from July 1, with arrears payable for four months. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.