Telangana hikes DA by 1.944% for power staff, pensioners; 71,000+ beneficiaries, Rs 11.1 crore monthly burden

HYDERABAD: Telangana deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Saturday announced a 1.944% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for employees of the power department. This, the deputy chief minister said, will benefit 71,417 employees and pensioners across the state.Addressing a gathering at Praja Bhavan, Bhatti Vikramarka said that Telangana would emerge as a guiding force in the power sector for the entire country. "The state govt is moving ahead with a well-structured strategy to achieve this," he said.The revised DA also applies to artisans along with power employees and pensioners. The DA has been increased from 14.074% to 16.018%, and the revised rate will be implemented retrospectively from January this year, he said. The enhanced DA will result in an additional monthly burden of ₹11.1 crore on power utilities.