On Friday, the Supreme Court ordered the West Bengal government to pay 25 per cent of the outstanding Dearness Allowance (DA) to its employees. The state has been given three months to make this payment.
This decision is part of an ongoing case over unpaid DA from 2009 to 2019 in West Bengal. The case was heard by a bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta.
State Government Argued Financial Burden
The West Bengal government had approached the Supreme Court to challenge a 2022 Calcutta High Court order. That order had directed the state to pay DA at the same rate as central government employees.
Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the state, told the court that paying all pending DA would cost Rs 41,000 crore. He said paying even 50 per cent now would put a Rs 10,000 crore burden on the state’s finances.
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Big Relief for Employees
More than six lakh state government employees are expected to benefit from this interim order.
Employees had long been demanding DA on par with central government workers. As of April 2025, central employees receive 55 per cent DA, while West Bengal employees only get 18 per cent — even after a recent 4 per cent hike.
Employees’ Union Welcomes the Move
Bhaskar Ghosh, leader of the Sangrami Joutho Mancha, welcomed the court’s decision. He said the government had denied employees their rightful dues for years.
"Thanks to the Supreme Court for upholding our rights," he said.
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Political Reactions
The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) said it would follow the court order fully. But TMC leader Joyprakash Majumdar accused the opposition of trying to defame the government.
Meanwhile, state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar called it a “historic win” for government employees. He criticized the state government for spending money on events while avoiding payments to workers.
Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari also praised the decision. He said the employees had shown great patience while fighting for their dues.
Next Hearing in August
The Supreme Court will hear the matter again in August. Until then, the state must arrange to pay at least 25 per cent of the pending DA to its employees
