Punjab government employees have not received a Dearness Allowance (DA) hike since October 2024, leading to a 19-point gap with central government employees who now receive 61 DA. While central employees have seen four increases, Punjab employees remain at 42 DA. Employee unions report six withheld installments and widespread disappointment. A finance department official cited the state's financial condition as a constraint, suggesting a potential 3-4 point hike soon, a matter the finance minister is aware of.