Delhi approves up to 100% pay hike for disaster staff

The government of Delhi has approved a pay increase of up to 100 percent for disaster management personnel, marking their first salary revision in 16 years. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision in a statement on Sunday, August 2, 2026, describing it as long-overdue justice for staff who have been serving on stagnant wages since their roles were created in 2009.

The move benefits personnel working under the Delhi State Disaster Management Authority, specifically project officers, district project officers, and project coordinators. These positions were established with support from the United Nations Development Programme. Since their inception, monthly remuneration has remained fixed at 25,000 rupees for project officers and district project officers, and 20,000 rupees for project coordinators. Gupta explained that because these posts were never integrated into the regular government pay structure, the staff did not receive periodic pay revisions or Dearness Allowance, a cost-of-living adjustment given to other government employees.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the revision is not an ex gratia benefit but an effort to establish fair and competitive...