DA Hike: Good news for government employees. The West Bengal government has introduced a significant relief measure for numerous state government workers and retirees. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has revealed that employees will see a 20% rise in their dearness allowance (DA) from October 2026.
Additionally, salaries for October will be deposited into employees’ accounts ahead of Durga Puja to prevent financial hardships during the festival. While state employees usually receive their pay on the final working day of the month, this time, they will be paid earlier.
The Chief Minister has instructed the Finance Minister and Finance Secretary to disburse October salaries in advance and ensure the 20% extra DA is included that month. This move aims to ease financial burdens for employees and their families during the festive period. The government is committed to bridging the gap in dearness allowance between state and central government employees gradually.
Currently, there is a 22% disparity in DA payments between central and West Bengal government employees. This gap was previously 42%, but the recent 20% DA hike has notably reduced it. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the gap cannot be closed entirely at once but will be narrowed down in phases. He also guaranteed that any pending DA dues for employees will be settled promptly.
In addition, the government has established the 7th State Pay Commission, comprising four members, to review the salaries, allowances, and service terms of employees and retirees. The commission has been tasked to present its findings urgently within six months, with the government planning to implement its suggestions promptly.
The Chief Minister emphasized that all government staff, including police personnel, have long anticipated enhanced salaries and allowances. Efforts are underway to enhance the pay structure to align more closely with that of central government employees. If the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission are executed promptly, numerous West Bengal employees and retirees may witness substantial increases in pay and allowances in the near future.