DA hike: Arunachal Pradesh raises DA to 63%, Kerala to 37%
13 November 2026 · 2 min read · HireHo
Based on BW People reports, 3 and 7 November 2026. Summarised in our own words.
Two state governments have raised dearness allowance (DA) for their staff this month. DA helps salaries keep up with rising prices.
Arunachal Pradesh: DA up to 63%
The Arunachal Pradesh government raised DA by 3 percentage points, from 60% to 63%. Pensioners and family pensioners get the same rise in dearness relief (DR).
The hike counts from 1 July 2026. Arrears for July to October 2026 will be paid in cash into bank accounts. The new rate shows in November 2026 salary and pension.
Eligible All India Services officers and central government staff on deputation to the state are also covered.
Kerala: DA up to 37%
Kerala raised DA from 35% to 37% for state employees. Pensioners also get DR at 37%. The Finance Department notified it on 17 October.
Teachers, aided school staff, private college and polytechnic staff and local body employees are covered. The new DA comes with October salary, paid in November. Pensioners get it with the November pension.
Arrears from 1 January 2026 will be handled through a separate order. The hike adds about Rs 96 crore to the state's monthly spending.
KSRTC follows its own DA process and is not automatically covered. BW People reports KSRTC owes nearly Rs 995 crore to employees.
What this means for you
- If you work for the Arunachal government, check your November slip for the 63% DA and the July-October arrears.
- Kerala staff should see the 37% DA in the salary paid in November. Arrears from January need a separate order.
- With retail inflation at 6.09% in October, DA hikes only partly cover rising prices.
- Private sector workers do not get these DA hikes. Use rising prices as a point in salary talks.