Punjab Government on Wednesday announced to enhance the rate of Dearness Allowance (DA) payable to the state government employees and pensioners from 58 per cent to 65 per cent of the revised basic pay with effect from 1st January this year.Disclosing this at Chandigarh , Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa said that the whole amount on account of enhanced dearness allowance due for the period from 1st January, 2012 to 30th June, 2012 would be credited to the General Provident Fund account of employees. He said that from the period of 1st July, 2012, enhanced dearness allowance would be paid in cash. Mr. Dhindsa said that the dearness allowance has been increased on the pattern of Centre Government. The Finance Minister said that 7 per cent DA increase would put an additional liability of Rs.744 crore 48 lakh on the state exchequer.