WB DA Arrears Order Published: West Bengal Government Announces Phased Payment of DA Arrears for Employees and Pensioners

WB DA Arrears Order Published: Following the Hon’ble Supreme Court judgment dated 5th February 2026, the Government of West Bengal has officially notified the payment of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears for state government employees and pensioners. The arrears encompass the period from April 2008 to December 2019 and apply to those whose pay was governed by the ROPA Rules, 2009. Acknowledging limited fiscal space due to outstanding receivables from Centrally Sponsored Schemes and various developmental obligations, the state government maintained its commitment to the welfare of its employees. Consequently, the Finance Department issued three vital notifications on 13th March 2026 to disburse these arrears in multiple phases.

Key Highlights of the 1st Phase Payment

• The 1st Phase covers the arrear period from January 2016 to December 2019.
• The arrear amount will be calculated as per the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI).
• Payments will be disbursed in two equal installments: the first in March 2026 and the second in September 2026.
• The disbursed amount is subject to final adjustments determined by the Supreme Court’s Monitoring Committee.
• The modalities for the remaining period (April 2008 to December 2015) will be notified in due course.

Serving Employees: GPF and Cash Disbursements

For serving State Government employees belonging to Groups A, B, and C, the DA arrears will be credited into their respective General Provident Fund (GPF) accounts. These credited arrears will be locked and cannot be reckoned for admissible advances or final withdrawal until 24 months have passed from the date of credit, or until superannuation, death, or resignation, whichever is earlier. Conversely, Group D employees will receive their arrears in cash, directly credited to their bank accounts. Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) will utilize technical updates in HRMS to draw these arrear bills.

Relief for Pensioners and Former Employees

Current pensioners will receive their DA/DR arrears in cash directly into their bank accounts. For pensioners drawing from treasuries outside Kolkata, the concerned Treasury will process the DR via the CTS in WBiFMS. For those in the Kolkata area, the Principal Accountant General (A&E) will authorize Public Sector Banks to disburse the arrears. This expenditure will be booked under Major Head 2071 (Pension & Other Pension Benefits). In the case of a deceased employee or pensioner, the legal heir or LTA nominee is eligible to receive the amount.

Guidelines for Grant-in-Aid Institutions

For employees and pensioners of Grant-in-Aid Institutions, including government-aided educational institutions, panchayats, statutory bodies, and municipal corporations, Administrative Departments must first compile authenticated details of Pay, Pension, and DA/DR previously granted between January 2016 and December 2019. The specific modalities for releasing their arrears will be notified later with the concurrence of the Finance Department.

Actionable Insights

Former state government employees who resigned but rendered qualifying service between 2016 and 2019 are entitled to receive these arrears. Such individuals, along with employees who did not receive their pay through HRMS during that period, must submit a formal application to their last Head of Office (HOO) for claim verification. Ensure your bank and HRMS details are up to date to facilitate smooth crediting.

Download Orders: https://finance.wb.gov.in/writereaddata/996-F(P2).pdf

Download Orders: https://finance.wb.gov.in/writereaddata/997-F(P2).pdf

Download Orders: https://finance.wb.gov.in/writereaddata/998-F(P2).pdf