DA Strike Nabanna: Strike on March 13 Over Pending DA Dues Nabanna Issues Strict Order
DA Strike Nabanna: In a firm response to the upcoming strike called by various state government employee organizations over unpaid Dearness Allowance (DA), the West Bengal Finance Department has issued a stringent directive. According to Memorandum 968-F(P2) released from Nabanna, attendance for all state employees is absolutely mandatory on Friday, March 13, 2026.
The Root Cause of the Protest
The strike, spearheaded by the Sangrami Joutha Mancha alongside government-aided school teachers and other employee unions, stems from the long-standing issue of Arrear DA payments. The protesting organizations claim that despite clear directions from the Supreme Court, the state administration has not taken adequate steps to clear these financial dues, prompting the call for a state-wide standstill.
Strict Directives and the ‘Dies-Non’ Rule
To ensure uninterrupted public service and smooth administrative operations, the state government has ordered all its offices and institutions receiving Grants-in-Aid to remain fully operational. Employees are strictly prohibited from taking Casual Leave or any other half-day or full-day absence on March 13. Any unauthorized absence will be classified as ‘dies-non’. This crucial administrative term means the missing employee will lose their salary for that specific day, and it will be recorded as an official break in service.
Permissible Exemptions
The government has logically outlined a few specific scenarios where absence will not attract salary deductions or penalties. These emergency situations include the hospitalization of the employee, a recent bereavement in the family, or severe illness that commenced before March 12, 2026. Furthermore, individuals who are already on pre-sanctioned Maternity Leave, Child Care Leave, Medical Leave, or Earned Leave approved prior to March 12 will remain completely unaffected by this new attendance order.
Disciplinary Actions and Deadlines
Controlling Authorities and Heads of Offices have been specifically tasked with enforcing these attendance rules strictly. Any employee failing to show up for duty must be served a formal Show-Cause notice. Only upon receiving a justified reply backed by valid documentary evidence will the absence be considered for leave approval. Ignoring the notice or providing an unsatisfactory response will lead to formal disciplinary proceedings. All related administrative measures, including issuing notices and evaluating responses, must be wrapped up and compliance reports sent to the Finance Department by Monday, March 30, 2026.
