Kerala Government Grants Dearness Allowance to Boost Employee Benefits

The Kerala government has approved one instalment of Dearness Allowance for state employees and teachers, raising annual expenditure by Rs 2,000 crore. Dearness Relief is also granted for pensioners. Despite financial challenges, the state remains committed to providing benefits amidst central government constraints.

The Left government in Kerala announced the approval of an instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees and teachers on Wednesday, resulting in an increase in annual expenditure by approximately Rs 2,000 crore.

Finance Minister K N Balagopal stated that Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners has also been approved. The increased DA and DR will be disbursed with next month's salaries and pensions, including employees in sectors such as UGC, AICTE, and medical services.

Despite COVID-19 related financial challenges, Kerala implemented a salary revision, but central government measures caused delays in disbursing benefits, Balagopal explained. However, the state remains committed to ensuring benefits for employees and pensioners.

(With inputs from agencies.)