WB DA Arrears: The West Bengal government has filed a Miscellaneous Application (MA) in the Supreme Court, seeking an extension to clear the pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears. The state has requested to modify the apex court’s February 5, 2026 directive, asking for additional time till December 31, 2026, to disburse the 25% DA dues to its employees.
Table of Contents
Background and Monitoring Committee Progress
Following the Supreme Court’s order in the ‘State of West Bengal vs Confederation of State Government Employees’ case, the state formed a Monitoring Committee to oversee the arrears calculation and payment process.
- The committee convened its first meeting on February 12, 2026, and a subsequent meeting on February 20, 2026.
- They have already submitted their progress report regarding the computation of dues to the Supreme Court.
Digitization and Payment Model
The state has adopted a bifurcated approach to process the data and clear the arrears based on the 100% AICPI neutralization policy.
- 2016 to 2019 Period: The employee database for these years is already computerized. Processing is smoothly advancing through the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS).
- 2008 to 2015 Period: During this phase, neither the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) nor the IFMS portals were operational. To process payments for this period, the state will launch a new dedicated portal to digitize old physical service books.
Payment Method:
- Group D Employees: The arrears will be paid directly in cash.
- Other Employees: The outstanding amount will be credited to their General Provident Fund (GPF) accounts.
Reasons for Seeking Extension
The state government cited severe administrative and financial roadblocks as reasons for the requested deadline extension:
- Acute cash crunch in the state exchequer during February.
- Massive loan repayment liabilities burdening the current budget.
- Escalated state expenditures due to the upcoming assembly elections.
- Administrative and logistical hurdles in digitizing physical service records from 2008 to 2015.
