Puja gift for state staff: 7 percent DA hike

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Monday doled out Dussehra bonanza for its employees by announcing an additional 7 per cent dearness allowance.The State Government employees, who were availing 51 per cent DA, will get 58 per cent DA from July, 2011. The employees will be given arrear DA in their October salary.About five lakh Government employees and over two lakh pension holders will benefit from the enhanced DA. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made the announcement after a meeting with Finance department officials.He had announced doubling of pension for freedom fighters two days ago.