SHILLONG: In a heartening gesture ahead of Christmas, the government has released the salaries of 55,000 state government employees ahead of schedule.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma shared the delightful news on a micro-blogging website, expressing holiday greetings to the dedicated workforce on Wednesday.
“Merry Christmas to our team of 55,000 Government Employees! We are pleased to announce that December salaries are being released early,” posted Chief Minister Sangma.
Adding to the festive spirit, Chief Minister Sangma also disclosed a significant increase in the Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief for all categories of employees, pensioners, and family pension holders.
The new rate has been elevated from the existing 36% to 39%, effective from July 1, 2023.
This move is aimed at providing financial relief and acknowledging the hard work of the government’s workforce.
A copy of the official order was shared by Chief Minister Sangma, signed by Dr Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary to the government (Finance Department).
The order specified that the enhanced Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief applies not only to regular employees but also to members of the work-charged establishment and casual workers, excluding bungalow peons, in pay levels corresponding to those in the regular establishment.
However, the order outlined a temporary suspension of Dearness Relief if pensioners or family pensioners engage in employment with the state or Central government, or become part of entities owned by these governments.
The suspension will be lifted once the period of employment concludes, the order read.
“The payment on account of the Dearness Allowance/Dearness Relief sanctioned herein shall be debited to the respective heads of accounts from which the employees draw their salary and the pensioners/family pension holders, their pension,” concluded the order.
