Lucknow, Apr 9 (Reporter) In line with the decision of the Government of India, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to increase the rate of dearness allowance (DA) on basic pay from 53 pc to 55 pc to its employees from January 1, official sources said here on Wednesday. Sources said that the decision will provide great relief to the state government employees. "At the same time, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has congratulated the employees of the state from his social media handle and said that the protection of the interests of the state employees is our top priority," they said. Sources said that as per the decision, state employees will also get the benefit of an increase in DA on the lines of central employees. "The decision will benefit state employees, regular and full-time employees of aided educational/technical educational institutions, urban local bodies, acting employees and employees receiving a salary in the UGC scale. About 16 lakh employees will benefit from this increase," they said. Sources said that the increased DA will be paid along with the salary of April (payment in May). "In such a situation, the government will have an additional cash expenditure of Rs 107 crore in May and Rs 193 crore on the payment of arrears. At the same time, Rs 129 crore will be deposited in the GPF of the employees covered by OPS. This expenditure will be Rs 107 crore per month for the entire financial year," they said. Sources said that the step of the Yogi government will prove to be helpful in increasing the efficiency and satisfaction of the employees along with financial relief. "This step reflects the commitment of the Yogi government, in which the welfare of the employees is given priority, as well as a positive environment being created for the development and prosperity of the state," they said. After the DA of the state employees was increased, CM Yogi congratulated them from his social media handle. He said that the protection of the interests of the state employees is our top priority. He said, "Today the UP government has decided to increase the dearness allowance being provided to state employees at the rate of 53 percent to 55 percent from January 1, 2025. About 16 lakh employees will benefit from this decision...////...