calender_icon.png 20 October, 2025 | 3:05 AM

Diwali bonanza for AP employees

20-10-2025 12:00:00 AM

Hike in DA

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a Diwali gift for state government employees, a 1% hike in DA, effective from November 1. The decision, made after consultations with employee unions and a ministerial subcommittee at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office on Saturday, will cost the state exchequer around Rs 160 crore per month.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Naidu also declared that police personnel will receive payment for one surrender leave in two instalments, one in November 2025 and another in January 2026, incurring an additional expenditure of ₹210 crore. He further assured that pending issues related to employee health cards would be resolved within 60 days.

The Chief Minister said the cabinet subcommittee would take steps to ensure the full-scale implementation of health cards and resolve existing issues. “Employees can now utilize their 180 days of child care leave any time before retirement, without age restrictions,” he added. Naidu also promised to clear pending promotions for APSRTC employees, waive property tax on employee association buildings, and redesign ate certain job titles to enhance the dignity of the workforce.

Taking a sharp dig at the previous government, Naidu said, “Employees were among the worst victims of the past regime. They weren’t even allowed to express their opinions. We’ve restored order, salaries and pensions are now being paid on the first of every month.”

He noted that his government had cleared Rs. 15,921 crore in dues and uploaded another Rs. 23,556 crore worth of pending claims into the system, along with submitting utilization certificates for Rs. 9,371 crore under old schemes. “We are delivering welfare through initiatives like ‘Super Six,’ and our alliance government is committed to improving employee welfare,” he stated.

Reaffirming his commitment to employee welfare, Naidu said, “We will take up PRC revision when the situation allows. I’ve personally assured employees that I’ll handle it. The cabinet subcommittee is already reviewing all their concerns. The government’s goal is to ensure a better standard of living for everyone and employees are key partners in this mission.”

The Chief Minister acknowledged the role of state employees, including RTC staff, in the government’s good governance drive. “Employees are the driving wheels of this state. The progress we’re achieving today, and the investments flowing in, are the result of their dedication,” he said.