‘Diwali gift’: 5% hike in dearness allowance for central govt employees

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announced hike of 5% in dearness allowance of govt employees. The decision was approved at a cabinet meeting this morning. Javadekar hailed the move as 'Diwali gift'. The move will benefit nearly 50 lakh govt employees 65 lakh govt pensioners and will cost the government Rs. 16,000 crore rupees. In another decision, 5300 displaced families (from PoK), settled in other states will be provided Rs 5.5 lakh each.