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Tripura CM Manik Saha Announces 5% DA, DR Increase

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
  • Mar 16, 2026
  • 1327

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday announced a five per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) for state government employees and pensioners, offering financial relief ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The announcement followed the presentation of the 2026–27 state budget by Finance Minister Pranjit Sinhgharoy during the ongoing session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly.

Addressing the Assembly, Saha said the decision had been taken despite the state’s financial limitations, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting its workforce and retired personnel. In a message posted on X, the Chief Minister stated that the additional five per cent DA would come into effect from April 1, benefiting both serving employees and pensioners across the state.

The increase in DA and DR is expected to place an additional burden of around ₹500 crore on the state exchequer. Officials said the measure will benefit nearly 1.2 lakh regular state government employees as well as 81,019 pensioners and family pensioners.

According to officials, the revision will also help narrow the disparity between central and state government allowances, reducing the gap in DA and DR to roughly 17 per cent, reflecting the state’s gradual effort to align its benefits with those of the central government.

Employee associations and pensioners’ organisations welcomed the decision, noting that they had long been demanding relief to cope with the rising cost of living. Several unions described the move as both timely and necessary amid persistent inflationary pressures.

Beyond its financial impact, observers say the announcement also carries political significance, as government employees and pensioners represent a substantial segment of the electorate in Tripura.

Analysts believe the decision underscores the state government’s attempt to maintain employee morale and extend limited financial relief to pensioners while navigating fiscal constraints. However, they caution that further revisions may be required if inflation continues to strain household budgets.