DA Arrears Case: Kalighat March Announced! WB Govt Employees Escalate Protest Over DA Non-Payment

DA Arrears Case: The conflict between the West Bengal government and its employees regarding the payment of Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears has escalated significantly. With the state government reportedly remaining silent on clearing the dues despite judicial orders, the employees’ unions have decided to intensify their protest. The Sangrami Joutha Mancha has announced a two-pronged strategy: a massive march to Kalighat and a fresh legal battle in the Supreme Court accusing the state of contempt of court.

Contempt of Court Petition Filed

The Supreme Court, in its order dated February 5, had explicitly directed the state government to clear the DA arrears accrued between 2009 and 2019 as per the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations. The court had set a specific deadline, ordering that 25% of the total arrears must be paid by March 6. However, claiming that the state has shown no intent to comply with this order, the Sangrami Joutha Mancha has moved the apex court again. Bhaskar Ghosh, a leader of the forum, confirmed that a contempt of court petition was filed on February 19, 2026 (Diary Number 11103/2026). The union alleges that the failure to initiate payment constitutes a violation of the court’s order, and they are seeking accountability from the Chief Secretary of the state.

Call for ‘Kalighat Cholo’ March

Frustrated by the delay, the employees have decided to take their demands to the streets. The Sangrami Joutha Mancha has issued a call for a ‘Kalighat Cholo’ (March to Kalighat) on February 26, 2026, scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM. The protesters have listed three primary demands for this agitation:

• Immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s verdict regarding DA arrears.
• Regularization of eligible irregular employees working in various state departments.
• Transparent recruitment to fill approximately 6 lakh permanent vacancies across the state.

Union leaders expressed that despite 16 days passing since the court’s verdict, the government’s lack of response has forced them to launch this agitation directly near the administrative head’s residence.

Recap of the Supreme Court Order

The recent friction stems from the Supreme Court’s significant ruling on the long-pending DA case. The court upheld the employees’ right to arrears under the Fifth Pay Commission for the period spanning 2009 to 2019. The directive was clear: the state must pay 25% of the dues by March 6, with the remaining amount to be cleared in installments. With the deadline approaching and the employees filing a contempt case prematurely citing lack of action, all eyes are now on the legal proceedings and the upcoming march on February 26.