Diwali Gifts from Government:
With the Diwali festival around the corner, the Government has brought joy to millions of its employees and pensioners by announcing five major benefits. These decisions aim to provide financial relief and improve welfare measures for working and retired staff. Though the official announcement on the Eighth Pay Commission is still awaited, these festive decisions have already lifted the spirits of many.
The Government has approved a 3% hike in DA and DR, effective from July 1, 2025. This increase raises the total DA from 55% to 58%. Nearly 4.9 million employees and 6.8 million pensioners will benefit from this decision. The DA is revised every six months, based on inflation rates. The next revision will take place in January 2026. This move brings immediate financial support to government workers and retirees.
In a historic step, the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates have been revised after 15 years. The new rates came into effect on October 13, 2025, benefiting around 4.6 million people. The revision reduces the cost of several medical treatments and makes healthcare more affordable. Along with this, digital health cards, online appointment systems, and cashless treatment options have been strengthened to improve medical access and convenience.
The Government has declared a 30-day salary bonus (₹6,908) for Group C and non-gazetted Group B employees for the 2024–25 financial year. In the postal department, staff including Group C, MTS employees, and rural postal workers will receive a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equal to 60 days’ salary. This bonus is expected to be released before Diwali, helping families celebrate the festival with joy and financial comfort.
The newly introduced Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) offers improved retirement and gratuity benefits. Some restrictions under the old National Pension System (NPS) have been relaxed to ensure better financial security for employees. The deadline to join the UPS has been extended to November 30, 2025, while the scheme has been effective since April 1, 2025. This policy aims to safeguard the future of government employees after retirement.
In a move to support senior citizens, pensioners no longer need to visit banks for their annual life certificate submission. They can now submit it digitally from home through mobile or face authentication apps. This step reduces physical strain and makes the process easy and accessible.
These five Diwali gifts from the Government bring great relief to employees and pensioners. From salary hikes to health benefits and pension reforms, the announcements highlight the Government’s commitment to the welfare and happiness of its workforce. With these festive measures, millions of families can look forward to celebrating a brighter and more prosperous Diwali this year.
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Diwali 2025 Lakshmi Puja Timings, Muhurat, and Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi
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