The West Bengal government has announced a 4% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees and pensioners, effective from April 1, 2025. This hike raises the total DA to 18%, up from the previous 14%. The announcement was made during the state budget presentation by Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya on February 12, 2025.
#### Key Highlights of the DA Hike
– *Increase in DA:* The 4% hike in DA will benefit over 10 lakh state government employees and pensioners. The move aims to provide financial relief to employees amidst rising living costs.
– *Comparison with Central Government:* Despite the increase, state employees remain dissatisfied, as the DA for central government employees stands at 53% under the 7th Pay Commission. The difference in DA between central and state government employees is 39%, leading to widespread discontent among state employees.
– *Chief Minister’s Remarks:* Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the issue in the State Legislative Assembly, urging employees not to be swayed by negative comments. She highlighted that the 6th Pay Commission of Bengal was launched in 2019 and that the government has provided Rs 2 lakh crore as DA since 2011. She also mentioned that salaries of government employees, including DA, have increased 2.57 times since 2019.
#### Employee Reactions
State government employees have expressed their dissatisfaction with the 4% DA hike, describing it as insufficient. Employee unions have been demanding a cost-of-living adjustment on par with their central counterparts. The Supreme Court has been hearing the DA case for around two years, and the fresh hike has failed to meet the expectations of the employees.
#### Political Reactions
The announcement has also sparked political reactions. Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar criticized the state government for announcing only a 4% hike in DA and demanded the formation of the Seventh Pay Commission in the state, in line with the Centre’s Eighth Pay Commission.
#### Budget Allocations
The state budget for 2025-26, pegged at Rs 3.89 lakh crore, prioritizes social welfare, rural infrastructure, and agrarian support. Key allocations include:
– *Rural Development:* Rs 18,300 crore for rural development schemes, including rural housing and road improvement.
– *Welfare Schemes:* Rs 66,630 crore for welfare schemes, with a significant portion allocated to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
The budget aims to address the ongoing concerns of state employees while focusing on the overall development of the state.
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