Kolkata: In a major boost for lakhs of government employees and pensioners across West Bengal, the state government on June 22 announced a 20 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA). The decision was unveiled by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta while presenting the first state budget of the Suvendu Adhikari-led government.
VIDEO | West Bengal budget: State finance minister Swapan Dasgupta announces 38 per cent DA for government employees, up from the current 18 per cent. pic.twitter.com/Tdyh6AoTYD
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With the latest revision, the total Dearness Allowance payable to state government employees will rise to 38 per cent. The enhanced DA rates will take effect on October 1, providing a substantial increase in monthly earnings for employees and pension benefits for retirees.
Dearness Allowance is a cost-of-living adjustment paid to government employees and pensioners to help offset the impact of inflation. The latest hike comes at a time when households across the country are grappling with rising costs for food, healthcare, education, and essential services.
Announcing the decision in the Assembly, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said the government was committed to improving the financial well-being of public servants and ensuring that their salaries remain aligned with prevailing economic conditions.
The 20 per cent increase is among the most significant DA revisions announced by the state in recent years and is expected to benefit employees across various departments, including education, health, police, administrative services and other government sectors.
Following the announcement, the cumulative Dearness Allowance available to state government employees has increased to 38 per cent. The revised rates will be reflected in salary payments from October onwards. Pensioners are also expected to benefit from the decision, as Dearness Relief (DR), which is linked to DA rates, is generally revised in line with changes announced for serving employees. The Finance Department is expected to issue detailed guidelines regarding implementation, revised pay calculations and pension adjustments in the coming weeks.
The DA hike emerged as one of the headline announcements of the first budget presented by the newly elected government. The budget outlined the administration’s priorities in areas such as infrastructure development, employment generation, social welfare, industrial growth and public service delivery.
While the decision is expected to be welcomed by employees and pensioners, it will also increase the state’s expenditure on salaries and pensions. However, government officials indicated that the administration has factored the additional financial burden into its budgetary planning and remains committed to maintaining fiscal discipline while expanding employee welfare measures.
The revised DA rates will come into force from October 1. Government departments are expected to receive formal implementation orders from the Finance Department before the revised salaries are disbursed. Employees and pensioners will now await detailed notifications specifying the exact calculation methodology, payment schedules and any consequential revisions to allowances linked with basic pay and Dearness Allowance.
The 20 per cent DA hike stands out as one of the most significant employee welfare measures announced in the state’s latest budget and is expected to benefit lakhs of families across West Bengal.
