DA Hike: Big news for bengal govt employees. Right now all eyes on West Bengal Budget 2026. The first budget of the BJP government will be introduced in the West Bengal Assembly today, and state government employees are anticipating positive outcomes. They are especially interested in a potential raise in dearness allowance (DA) and will closely observe the government’s decisions. State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta is responsible for unveiling the budget in the Assembly.
According to reports, there might be a 10 to 12 percent hike in the DA for government workers in this budget. Previously, a false claim circulated on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, suggesting a 22% increase in DA effective from July 1st.
Employees have high expectations from the Shubhendu government as they believe it is time for the BJP to deliver on the commitments made to government workers before assuming power in West Bengal. Many are hopeful for positive developments from the government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Notably, after 15 years under the rule of the Trinamool Congress, the state is now governed by the BJP. Consequently, employees are optimistic that a decision regarding the dearness allowance will be made to provide them with some relief.
There was a rumor of a 22% increase
The West Bengal Chief Secretary’s Office has clarified that rumors of a 22% hike in dearness allowance (DA) for state government employees are false. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal issued a notice on June 16, stating that it was beyond his authority to approve “such a large percentage” and calling the poster’s “a figment of imagination.” He asked state employees and pensioners to wait for the budget later this month for official news.
Why are Bengal employees waiting for DA hike?
Central government employees fall under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), while West Bengal state employees are still under the 5th and 6th CPC, where salaries are significantly lower. Now that the 8th Pay Commission is approaching, the pay gap is expected to widen further.
Will the difference in DA between the Centre and the State reduce?
Employee representatives pointed out that central government employees get 60% DA of the basic pay, while West Bengal employees get only 18%, a difference of 42 per cent. Before the elections, the BJP had promised to implement the Seventh Pay Commission within 45 days of forming the government. The government has issued directives for this purpose. It also promised to pay employees’ pending DA.
In such a situation, it is expected that Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta may announce a 10 to 12 percent DA increase in today’s budget. Additionally, the pending DA may also be announced to be paid in installments until December of next year.