DA Hike: Strong Reaction Among West Bengal State Govt Employees After Centre’s DA Announcement

DA Hike: The central government’s announcement of a 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike for its employees has sparked a strong reaction among West Bengal state government employees. This decision has further widened the DA gap between central and state government employees, leading to expressions of anger from state employee organizations.

The Central Government’s Announcement and Its Impact

In a cabinet meeting, the central government approved an additional 3% Dearness Allowance for its employees and pensioners. As a result, the total DA for central employees has increased from 55% to 58%. This hike will be effective from July 1st. This decision is set to benefit approximately 49.19 lakh central government employees and 68.72 lakh pensioners.

Reaction of State Government Employees

Following the central government’s announcement, resentment has grown among West Bengal state government employee organizations. According to them, the state government is deliberately depriving them of their rightful DA. Currently, state government employees receive DA at a rate of 18%, which is significantly lower than their central counterparts.

• DA Gap: The new announcement has increased the DA gap between central and state government employees to 40%.
• Awaiting Court Verdict: The state government employees’ DA case is currently pending in the Supreme Court, with the verdict reserved. Employee organizations are awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision and are hopeful that the judgment will be in their favor.
• Impact on Pay Commission: According to employee organizations, this huge DA gap is not only causing financial loss to the employees but will also create obstacles in the future implementation of the 7th Pay Commission. While the central government is moving towards implementing the 8th Pay Commission from January 1, 2026, state employees might be deprived of the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission.

Statements from Various Organizations

• Rajya Sarkari Karmachari Parishad: The organization’s president, Debashis Shil, stated, “While the central government has increased DA during the festive season, the West Bengal government has kept us stuck at 18% DA. The state government has adopted a policy of increasing the DA gap.”
• Confederation of State Government Employees: The organization’s president, Shyamal Kumar Mitra, and general secretary, Malay Mukhopadhyay, said, “The Centre’s DA has reached 58%, but we are stuck at 18%. Without getting the remaining 40% DA, the 7th Pay Commission will not be implemented in this state. This is a deprivation.”

Future Course of Action

The state government employee organizations are looking forward to the Supreme Court’s verdict. They hope that the court will direct the state government to clear the pending DA arrears. Alongside this, they have announced that they will continue their movement to reduce the DA gap.