Shimla: Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Monday announced a six percent hike in dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees and pensioners from January 1.
Addressing a gathering here on the occasion of India's 70th Independence Day, the Chief Minister said the arrears of the DA from January this year would be paid in October.
An interim relief of five percent was already announced in August 1, a government spokesperson told IANS.
Virbhadra Singh earlier hoisted the national flag on a 121-foot tall pole and took salute of 17 contingents of the Indian Army at the Thodo ground. A contingent from neighbouring Uttarakhand also participated.
He also paid floral tributes at Shaheed Smarak at Chambaghat on the outskirts of the town.
A colourful cultural programme was also performed by school students.
Similar Independence Day functions were also organised in all 12 district headquarters.
