National News : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given an important gift to Uttar Pradesh government employees ahead of Diwali. The Yogi government has increased their Dearness Allowance (DA) by 3 percent. This will increase the dearness allowance from 60 per cent to 63 per cent. The increased rate will be effective from July 1, 2026. Employees will get increased dearness allowance with their November salary.

The remaining money of dearness allowance will be deposited in the PF account of the employees

As per the government's decision, the dearness allowance arrears from July to October 2026 will be credited to the Employees' Provident Fund (PF) account. This decision will not only benefit state employees but also employees of aided educational institutions, technical educational institutions and urban local bodies. This means, lakhs of employees of Uttar Pradesh will celebrate Diwali with increased dearness allowance this year.

Dearness Allowance is revised twice a year

DA is usually revised twice a year. New rates are implemented in January and July. In May 2026, the UP government increased the dearness allowance by 2 percent. After this, DA increased from 58 to 60 percent.

Bonus gift given on Diwali

The Yogi government had earlier announced a 30-day ad hoc bonus for state employees on the occasion of Diwali. Around 1.5 million employees were given this benefit for the financial year 2025-26. Eligible employees can get a maximum of Rs. 6,908 bonus was given.

25% of bonus amount in cash, 75% in PF

As per the government's decision, 25% of the bonus amount was given in cash, while the remaining 75% was deposited in the Employees' Provident Fund (GPF) account. However, eligible employees retiring after March 31, 2026 or retiring by April 30, 2027 will get the full bonus amount in cash. For daily wage employees a maximum of Rs. 1,184 bonus has also been given.