Jaya increases Dearness Allowance for transport workers

CHENNAI: In a move that will benefit over one lakh employees of all eight government transport corporations in the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today increased the Dearness Allowance of transport employees from 51 per cent to 58 per cent, with effect from July 1 this year.

The increase will benefit 1,19,261 employees of all eight government transport corporations in the state and would additionally cost Rs 9.15 crore annually to the exchequer.

The arrears will be paid in cash, Jayalalithaa said in a statement.

"I hope this increase will encourage employees and workers to do their duty with more motivation and cheer," she said, days after announcing a hike in bus fares.

Jayalalithaa had in October increased the DA of state government officials, teachers and pensioners from 51 per cent to 58 per cent, placing them on par with their central government counterparts.