Diwali bonanza: Gujarat govt announces DA at central rates for employees, festive holidays
Updated: Oct 8th, 2025
Ahead of Diwali, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced an increase in dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees at par with the Centre, effective from July 1, 2025.
- Seventh Pay Commission employees: To receive a 3% hike in Dearness DA.
- Sixth Pay Commission employees: To receive a 5% hike in DA.
The arrears for three months from July 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025 will be paid in one installment.
This DA hike will benefit 4.69 lakh serving employees (including Panchayat service and others) and about 4.82 lakh retired employees (pensioners).
Additionally, the state government will disburse ₹483.24 crore towards arrears and bear an annual additional expenditure of ₹1,932.92 crore for salaries, allowances, and pensions. The Finance Department has been directed to issue the necessary orders for implementation.
Public holidays in govt offices for Diwali
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 19 | Sunday | — |
| Oct 20 | Monday | Diwali |
| Oct 21 | Tuesday | Holiday (next day of Diwali) |
| Oct 22 | Wednesday | Bestu Varsh (Gujarati New Year) |
| Oct 23 | Thursday | Bhai Dooj |
| Oct 24 | Friday | Holiday |
| Oct 25 | Saturday | Fourth Saturday (Holiday) |
| Oct 26 | Sunday | — |
(Note: On November 8 (2nd Saturday) and December 13 (2nd Saturday), all government offices will remain open)
