Dearness Allowance: Huge Step Regarding DA Year End, RTI Filed Seeking Details of Banga Bhawan Employees

Dearness Allowance: On the very last day of 2025, a significant step has been taken regarding the Dearness Allowance (DA) of West Bengal state government employees. On December 31st, amidst the ongoing legal battle, a crucial Right to Information (RTI) application was filed. With the DA case currently pending in the Supreme Court and the judgment awaited, this RTI seeks detailed information regarding the perks and allowances received by state government employees working at ‘Banga Bhawan’ in New Delhi.

Here is a detailed breakdown of why this move is critical and what information has been sought.

What Information Has Been Sought via RTI?

Specific questions have been directed to the State Public Information Officer, Public Works Department (PWD), and the Food Department. The queries primarily revolve around the salary structure and allowance rates of employees stationed at Banga Bhawan:

• Current Rate of Allowances: Exact statistics have been requested regarding the percentage of DA, HRA, and Transfer Allowance (TA) received by state government employees working at Banga Bhawan, New Delhi, as of July 1, 2025.
• Comparison with Central Rates: Clarification has been sought on whether Banga Bhawan employees are being paid DA and other allowances at Central Government rates, in accordance with the order dated 22/01/2020 and ROPA 2019.
• Demand for Official Documents: Authenticated copies of all official note sheets or documents behind the issuance of the order dated 22/01/2020 have been requested.
• Departmental Correspondence: Copies of official correspondence between the PWD and the Finance Department regarding the passing of this specific order have also been sought.
• The 17% DA Context: Information has been requested on whether Banga Bhawan employees have been receiving 17% DA from 01/01/2020 as per ROPA 2019.
• Installment Details: Detailed information has been demanded on whether Banga Bhawan employees have received every installment of DA on the lines of the Central Government up to December 2025.

Why is This Information Significant?

In the current context, this RTI application is not just a request for information but could serve as a potent tool in the legal battle. Its significance lies in several aspects:

• Proof of Disparity: If it is revealed that employees under the same state government (at Banga Bhawan) are receiving DA at Central rates or higher rates while general state employees are not, this can be presented in court as clear evidence of discrimination.
• Impact on Supreme Court Case: Should the State Government file any review or modification petition following the Supreme Court’s verdict, these facts could serve as strong arguments in favor of the employees.
• Question of Life and Liberty: Since the matter relates to salary and standard of living, the request has been made under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act 2005, treating it as a matter of ‘Life and Liberty’, with a request to provide information within 48 hours.

The Applicant and Future Outlook

This vital RTI application has been filed by Debaprasad Haldar, a Section Officer in the Department of Correctional Administration and an official of the Unity Forum.

As 2025 ends and 2026 is about to begin, the judgment on the DA case is still pending. There is a possibility of a hearing in the Supreme Court on January 5th or 6th. Experts believe that this RTI report, filed just before the potential hearing, could become a crucial document or a ‘game changer’ in the fight for employees’ rights in the future.