Andhra Pradesh Announces Comprehensive Diwali Benefits Package: Dearness Allowance and Financial Relief for Government Employees

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled a comprehensive Diwali benefits package for government employees, with the centerpiece being the release of one Dearness Allowance installment effective November 1.

The state government will allocate approximately Rs 160 crore monthly toward this Dearness Allowance (DA) commitment, as confirmed by Naidu in an official statement released Saturday evening.

"We are implementing one installment of the Dearness Allowance for employees beginning November 1 as part of our Diwali festival package," Naidu announced in the official communication.

Additionally, the Chief Minister revealed plans to settle police department earned leave payments by dividing the Rs 210 crore obligation into two equal installments of Rs 105 crore each.

In further employee-friendly measures, Naidu committed to streamlining the health insurance scheme within 60 days and expanded the child care leave provision, allowing employees to utilize their full 180-day entitlement before retirement.

Government employees' association offices received a notable tax relief with the waiver of property tax on their buildings, while Road Transport Corporation (RTC) employees were granted promotions as part of the Diwali incentives.

The TDP leader also indicated that certain positions would undergo nomenclature changes through redesignation. Regarding the Pay Revision Commission (PRC), Naidu requested employee associations to entrust the matter to him, assuring that an announcement would be forthcoming within days.

Despite facing financial constraints, Naidu highlighted that the state government had already disbursed Rs 15,921 crore in employee dues and incorporated Rs 23,556 crore of pending obligations from the previous YSRCP administration into the system.

The Chief Minister noted that Andhra Pradesh currently allocates Rs 51,452 crore—representing 91 percent of expenditure—toward establishments, significantly exceeding neighboring states' proportions: Telangana (38 percent), Tamil Nadu (42 percent), and Karnataka (39 percent).

"We are ensuring salaries are disbursed on the first day of every month, and a dedicated Cabinet sub-committee has been established to address and resolve employee-related concerns," Naidu stated.