By IANS,
Shimla : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Friday announced the release of six percent dearness allowance (DA) to the government employees and pensioners with effect from Jan 1.
He made the annoucement during the function at Thanakalan in Una district to mark the 64th anniverary of the day when Himachal Pradeh became a centrally administered area after the merger of 30 princely states.
“The DA will be given in cash from April’s pay, paid in May. The arrears would be credited to the general provident fund of the employees. The pensioners will get the arrears in cash,” he said.
An impressive parade was organised where Dhumal took the salute at a march-past presented by contingents of police, home guards and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to mark day.
Functions were organised in all the district headquarters, including the snow-bound Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district.
The economy of the hill state is highly dependent on horticulture, besides hydroelectric power and tourism, with the annual fruit industry being worth about Rs.2,000 crore (Rs.20 billion).