The Sikkim government has sanctioned a four percent increase in dearness allowance (DA) for its employees and pensioners, effective from July 1, 2023, officials revealed on June 11, according to PTI. This decision was reached during the inaugural cabinet meeting of the second Sikkim Krantikari Morcha government on June 10, led by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
With this rise, the dearness allowance for government employees and pensioners now stands at 46 percent. The increment in DA is expected to have a ₹174.6 crore impact on the state exchequer in the current fiscal year.
Additionally, the cabinet meeting witnessed other significant decisions, including the nomination of Sanjeet Kharel, a two-time SKM legislator, as the Pro-tem Speaker of the 11th Sikkim Legislative Assembly. This nomination, at the age of 47, aligns with the strategic moves of the newly re-elected SKM government.
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya is scheduled to administer the oath of office and secrecy to Kharel, setting the stage for the inaugural session of the 11th Sikkim Legislative Assembly. During this session, Kharel will administer the oath to the newly-elected members, and the election of the assembly speaker will also transpire.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, inaugurated for his second consecutive term along with eleven other ministers, led the SKM to a resounding victory, securing 31 of the 32 assembly seats in the recent polls held concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.
These developments underscore a significant phase of governance and administrative decisions in Sikkim, focusing on economic and leadership aspects within the state.
