Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath announced a 3% hike in dearness allowance and relief for state employees and pensioners, raising it from 55% to 58%, effective from July 1. The move, benefiting around 28 lakh people, will cost ₹1,960 crore until March 2026. The increased amount will be paid from this month in cash as a Diwali gesture.