Massive DA Hike for West Bengal Government Employees from April 1: Relief Amid Legal Row
Kolkata, India – April 2025: In a landmark announcement that has created a buzz among state employees. The West Bengal government has approved a significant increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for its workforce. Effective April 1, 2025, employees under the Sixth Pay Commission will receive an 18% hike, while those under the Fifth Pay Commission will see a 10% boost. The same 18% hike applies to retired employees receiving Dearness Relief (DR).
DA Announcement Comes Amid Supreme Court Proceedings
This long-awaited move follows years of contention over unpaid DA dues, with a pending case currently being heard in the Supreme Court. Back in 2022, the Calcutta High Court ordered the state to clear all outstanding DA within three months. Instead of complying the state government sought relief from the apex court, triggering a drawn out legal battle that continues in 2025.
Finance Department Issues New Notification
A fresh notification from the state’s finance department has made the hike official. As per the latest communication, state employees under both the Fifth and Sixth Pay Commissions will receive their revised DA with effect from April 1. Sources at Nabanna confirm that the increased DA will be disbursed by the end of April, ensuring a timely benefit to lakhs of employees.
Massive Relief for Employees After Years of Protests
For nearly a decade, employees have demanded parity with central government counterparts in terms of DA. The latest increase marks a significant step toward bridging that gap. The legal fight which began in 2016 has kept the issue alive in courtrooms, media and on the streets making it one of the most closely watched financial issues in West Bengal’s public sector.
DA Hike Set to Impact Over 10 Lakh Employees and Pensioners
This decision will directly benefit over 10 lakh state government employees and retired pensioners. While the increase does not fully close the gap with central rates, it is a substantial improvement after years of stagnation.
Ending Up -With the new DA rates set to take effect, April 2025 marks a financial turning point for West Bengal’s government employees providing long overdue relief amid inflation and legal uncertainty.
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