27 June DA Deadline: Will the Outstanding DA Finally Be Paid? What Did Bhaskar Ghosh Reveal?
27 June DA Deadline: A long-standing battle continues over Dearness Allowance (DA) for West Bengal government employees and pensioners. Recently, Bhaskar Ghosh, the convener of the Sangrami Joutha Mancha (United Struggle Platform), has spoken out about their future plans and the government’s role in this issue. Let’s delve into the details.
The Current Situation with DA
Bhaskar Ghosh stated that there is a Supreme Court interim order for the state government to pay 25% of the DA by the upcoming June 27th. As this deadline approaches, tension is mounting among state government employees and pensioners. The main question remains: can the state government afford this significant amount?
Allegations of Conspiracy Against the Government
Ghosh alleges that the current government has had a “hidden agenda” since coming to power in 2011. He claims that the then opposition leader (now the Chief Minister) had said that a government unable to provide DA has no right to remain in power. However, after assuming power, Amit Mitra was appointed as the Finance Minister, allegedly with the objective of turning skilled labor into cheap labor. Ghosh believes this was planned by cutting DA and subsequently basic salaries. He asserts this was a deliberate attempt to lower the living standards of government employees by not adjusting salaries for inflation.
The Impact of DA Disparity
According to Bhaskar Ghosh, West Bengal government employees now receive the lowest salaries in India compared to other states. He argues that if the government pays low salaries, it creates a ripple effect in other sectors, such as private schools reducing their salary increments. He provided an example where a laborer in Assam earns significantly more than in West Bengal for the same work, which he attributes to a conspiracy to keep wages low.
Government’s Financial Mismanagement
Refuting the government’s claim of a lack of funds, Ghosh stated that the West Bengal government’s income has increased fivefold since 2011. He criticized the government’s lack of proper planning for expenditures, suggesting that providing DA is possible alongside popular schemes like “Lakshmi Bhandar.” He pointed out that other states like Odisha offer more financial aid to women while still providing DA at the central rate.
Future Course of Action
Bhaskar Ghosh mentioned that the Sangrami Joutha Mancha has been fighting for two and a half years despite facing various attacks. Regarding the June 27th deadline, he indicated that the government is currently calculating the figures for the DA payment. He confirmed they are aware of the estimated cost of 38 crore rupees, which includes all employees and pensioners. If the government fails to implement the order, they will launch an “Uttal Andolan” (intense movement) and file a contempt of court case.
A Call for Unity
Ghosh has urged all employee and teacher organizations to unite, regardless of political affiliation, to convey their demands to the government. He emphasized that while the court can grant rights, it is up to the people to earn those rights through struggle and movement.
Dismissing Allegations of Political Incitement
Dismissing claims that opposition parties are inciting government employees, Ghosh asserted that government employees are intelligent individuals who make their own decisions. He clarified that the Sangrami Joutha Mancha operates within a democratic framework and that it is the constitutional duty of opposition parties to support citizens fighting for their rights.
In conclusion, Bhaskar Ghosh firmly stated that DA is not charity, but a right. He confidently predicts that they will realize 100% of the DA and that if the government fails to comply, a financial emergency might even be declared.
