West Bengal DA: Will the state not pay the Arrear DA to teachers? Sensational information in the report submitted to the Supreme Court!

West Bengal DA: An unexpected and highly disappointing twist has emerged regarding the 5th Pay Commission Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears. Just when long-standing legal battles and waits seemed to be heading towards a resolution, a report submitted by the state government to the Supreme Court has sparked widespread concern. According to the latest updates, not all employees drawing salaries from the state treasury will receive these pending dues.

Who is Eligible for the DA Arrears?

In a recent 215-page modification petition filed in the apex court, the state government has explicitly mentioned a specific number of beneficiaries. The report, submitted through the state’s lawyer, states that only 3,17,954 current government employees (rule-making serving employees) and direct pensioners of the state government will receive the 5th Pay Commission arrears. The four-member monitoring committee of the Supreme Court is calculating the final settlement based solely on this specific figure.

Will the Broader Section of Employees be Deprived?

The biggest cause for concern is the future of the broader section of state workers. While figures exceeding 9 lakh employees had been mentioned at various times in the past, that massive portion is notably missing from the new petition. Consequently, despite receiving their salaries from the government exchequer, the following categories of employees are feared to be entirely excluded from the arrear benefits:

• Teachers and Education Staff: Employees of schools and other government-aided educational institutions.
• Panchayat Workers: Staff associated with the rural administration.
• Municipal Workers: Employees under various municipalities and corporations.

State Appeals for Extension of Deadline

The state government has not only reduced the number of beneficiaries but also requested the court for additional time to clear the dues. According to the fresh appeal, the government has requested an extension of the deadline for DA arrear payment until December 31, 2026.

Questions Arise Over the Role of Employee Unions

Following this new development, allegations of a “divide and rule” policy are being leveled against the state government. With a large section of employees on the verge of losing their financial rights, the role of the petitioner organizations is also being questioned. Doubts are surfacing about how aware leading unions, such as the ‘Sangrami Joutha Mancha’—who have been protesting on the streets for DA—were regarding this petition. The fear of broader employees’ interests being compromised has created severe dissatisfaction and confusion among state government workers.