7th Pay Commission: As a New Year surprise, the Manipur government announced a 7% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees, effective January 2025. This increase increases the DA from 32% to 39%, benefiting over 1 lakh government employees of the state. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh made the announcement, which aims to bring some financial relief to government staff in the state.

Apart from this, to boost the state’s economy and support entrepreneurship, Chief Minister Singh also announced key initiatives, including aid for internally displaced people affected by internal violence. Under the Chief Minister’s Entrepreneurship Support Scheme, 426 displaced individuals received collateral-free loans to start or expand their businesses. Furthermore, this scheme aims to empower entrepreneurs and promote economic growth in the state.

Additionally, Singh said that Manipur government-funded start-ups are set to provide jobs to internally displaced people. Seven start-ups have been identified, and they plan to hire 432 displaced individuals, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives.

The Chief Minister also announced the plans to train around 500 youths in Delhi for cabin crew positions with airlines like Air India and IndiGo. The Ministry of Tourism will fund this program, giving priority to displaced people from the region. Furthermore, Manipur government’s “One Family, One Livelihood” scheme will support 5,000 families by providing loans up to Rs 10 lakh with a 30% subsidy.

7th Pay Commission: What’s For Central Government Employees?

According to several media reports, central government employees may get a hike in their DA starting January 2025. Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet recently approved a 3% hike in DA for central government employees, raising it from 50% to 53%. The central government announced this change just before Diwali on October 16, 2024. The central government aimed to provide the benefit to over 1 crore government employees and pensioners.