Copyright timesnownews
The Kerala government has announced a significant increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for teaching staff under various educational schemes. This decision is part of the latest education news aimed at providing financial relief amid rising living costs. Details of the DA Increase According to the finance department, the DA for teaching staff under the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and medical education schemes will rise from 42 per cent to 46 per cent for those who transitioned to the revised scale from January 2016 or later. For those continuing in the sixth pay scale effective from January 2006, the DA will increase from 221 per cent to 230 per cent. Additionally, the Dearness Relief (DR) for UGC pensioners and family pensioners will also see a similar increase. Eligibility and Conditions The finance department specified that the enhanced DA is contingent on the availability of funds and will apply to grant-in-aid institutions and other educational bodies where UGC, AICTE, and medical education schemes are implemented through government orders. The increased DR rate will only apply to institutions, including universities, that follow statutory pension as per government orders. Moreover, part-time teachers and part-time contingent employees will also benefit from the enhanced DA based on their pay. Employees and pensioners of state Public Sector Undertakings, statutory corporations, and autonomous bodies that follow the state DA-DR pattern will be eligible for the increased rates, subject to conditions such as governing body approval if they can meet expenses from their own resources. If they cannot, prior government approval will be necessary. This announcement follows a recent order from the finance department to increase the DA for state government employees, teachers, staff of aided schools, private colleges, and local bodies from 18 per cent to 22 per cent. The additional expenditure for local governments will be covered from their own funds. The Kerala government continues to support its educational staff and pensioners through these financial adjustments, ensuring that compensation remains competitive and addresses the economic challenges faced by the education sector. As the state aims to maintain its status as a leader in educational development, these measures reflect a commitment to the welfare of its educational workforce. The DA-DR enhancements will not apply to organisations such as the Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd and the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, which are required to issue separate DA-DR orders. With the new adjustments, the Kerala government reinforces its commitment to improving the financial conditions of its educational staff and pensioners, reflecting its ongoing efforts to enhance the education system in the state. Commitment to Education The Kerala government’s latest actions underscore its dedication to ensuring that all educational staff receive fair compensation. As part of ongoing education news, this increase in DA and DR represents a significant step in addressing the needs of educators and pensioners across the state. (With inputs from PTI)
