Enhanced relief to be paid with October pension in November; arrears decision pending
Shimla, October 23: The Himachal Pradesh government has announced an enhancement in Dearness Relief (DR) for state government pensioners and family pensioners, including those covered under the All India Services (AIS), with the revised rates set at 46 per cent from July 1, 2023, and 50 per cent from January 1, 2024.
Dearness Relief enhancement @5% Order dated 23.10.2016
According to an office memorandum issued by the Finance (Pension) Department on October 23, 2026, the additional Dearness Relief will be paid along with the pension and family pension for October 2026, payable in November 2026.
The government has clarified that a separate decision on the payment of arrears for the period from July 1, 2023, to September 30, 2026, will be taken in due course.
The memorandum states that any fraction of a rupee in the Dearness Relief amount will be rounded off to the next higher rupee. Other existing provisions governing the payment of Dearness Relief, including rules applicable during employment or re-employment and cases where a pensioner draws more than one pension, will remain unchanged.
The Finance Department has also discontinued the practice of issuing ready reckoners along with Dearness Relief orders, as the relief will now be calculated at a uniform rate. Pension Disbursing Authorities, including nationalised banks, will be responsible for calculating the amount payable to individual pensioners.
The Principal Accountant General (A&E), Himachal Pradesh, treasury officers and authorised public sector banks have been directed to arrange payment in accordance with the order.
The memorandum was issued by the Himachal Pradesh Finance (Pension) Department under the authority of the state government.
