Will Bengal Government Employees Protest Against Trinamool on July 21?
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Synopsis
As the deadline for dearness allowance payments passes, Bengal government employees prepare for a significant protest. The United Forum of State Government Employees aims to draw attention to their plight, coinciding with Trinamool Congress's Martyrs' Day. Will this rally spark change?
Key Takeaways
- United Forum of State Government Employees leading the protest against non-payment of dearness allowance.
- Protest coincides with Trinamool Congress's Martyrs' Day rally.
- Current dearness allowance for Bengal employees is 18 percent.
- The pending dues could cost the state around Rs 12,000 crore.
- Further legal actions may be pursued against the state government.
Kolkata, June 28 (NationPress) The United Forum of State Government Employees, representing West Bengal government workers, is leading a movement protesting the failure to pay dearness allowance equivalent to that of Central government employees and the outstanding dues. They plan to hold a protest rally on July 21, coinciding with the Trinamool Congress’s annual Martyrs' Day rally.
This decision comes as the deadline for crediting the 25 percent dearness allowance arrears to active and retired employees, mandated by the Supreme Court, expired on Friday at midnight without payment being made.
In a last-minute move, the state government submitted a petition to the Supreme Court requesting an additional six months to settle the 25 percent dearness allowance dues.
In its petition, the West Bengal government cited the current financial condition of the state treasury as the reason for needing more time.
Simultaneously, the government has also requested a review of the earlier Supreme Court order concerning the payment of these dues.
The Trinamool Congress’s Martyrs' Day event will take place in central Kolkata, while the United Forum of State Government Employees will gather less than a kilometer away at the base of Shahid Minar on the same day and time.
During a press conference on Saturday, forum representatives announced their plans for the July 21 rally and a subsequent “march to State Secretariat” on July 28.
“In addition to various associations representing state government employees, the teachers facing job losses due to a Supreme Court ruling in April will join the protest on July 28,” stated forum convener Bhaskar Ghosh.
The forum is also preparing for further legal action, including a potential contempt-of-court petition against the state government.
Currently, West Bengal government employees receive a dearness allowance of only 18 percent, compared to 55 percent for their counterparts in the Union government and other states.
Payment of the pending 25 percent dues could cost the West Bengal exchequer approximately Rs 12,000 crore.
Finance department officials are concerned that this financial outlay may affect monthly payments associated with various state welfare schemes.
Point of View
The situation in West Bengal reflects a larger issue regarding the treatment of government employees across India. As they seek fair compensation and recognition, it becomes vital for the state government to address these concerns to maintain trust and morale among its workforce.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the protest by Bengal government employees?
The protest is aimed at the non-payment of dearness allowance at par with Central government employees and the pending arrears.
When and where will the protest rally be held?
The protest rally is scheduled for July 21 at the base of Shahid Minar, coinciding with the Trinamool Congress's Martyrs' Day rally.
What is the current dearness allowance rate for West Bengal government employees?
West Bengal government employees currently receive a dearness allowance of 18 percent, compared to 55 percent for Central government employees.
What financial implications could arise from the pending dues?
The payment of the 25 percent pending dues is expected to cost the West Bengal exchequer around Rs 12,000 crore, potentially impacting various welfare schemes.
Will there be any further legal actions taken?
Yes, the United Forum of State Government Employees is preparing for another round of legal action, including a possible contempt-of-court petition against the state government.
