West Bengal Government Employees to Strike on March 13 Over DA Issues
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Sangrami Joutho Mancha has announced a total cease-work on March 13 in West Bengal, demanding the government address the outstanding Dearness Allowance payments. This protest underscores the frustration of government employees over delayed compensation and legal compliance.
Key Takeaways
Cease-work declared for March 13 to protest against DA inaction.
Supreme Court's directive on DA payments remains unaddressed.
Protest named 'Bandh Mubaraq' coinciding with Holi.
Legal options against the state government are being prepared.
Potential state response includes a Supreme Court review petition.
Kolkata, March 4 (NationPress) The Sangrami Joutho Mancha, a collective of various employee associations representing West Bengal's government workers, has declared a complete cease-work on March 13 as a form of protest against the state's failure to address their Dearness Allowance (DA) concerns.
The Joint Movement Forum asserts that the West Bengal government has yet to comply with the Supreme Court's directive issued last month, which instructed the state to implement a methodical approach to disburse DA to its employees, ensuring it aligns with the allowances received by central government personnel, along with the arrears owed since 2008.
In a significant announcement made during the Holi festival, the forum has dubbed their impending strike “Bandh Mubaraq,” emphasizing their discontent over the state government's negligence.
“The Supreme Court had mandated the state to follow a systematic approach regarding DA payments and had also directed that 25% of the arrears from 2008 to 2019 be paid by March 31. Yet, no steps have been taken by the state to initiate even the first phase of this process,” stated a representative of the forum.
“While the government is expending funds on festival celebrations, we have chosen to label our strike ‘Bandh Mubaraq.’ We will attend our offices on that day, but we will abstain from any official duties,” they added.
Additionally, it has come to light that the state government plans to file a review petition with the Supreme Court regarding this matter.
“With the Supreme Court's deadline for the first installment set for March 6, we have decided to stage our protest on March 13 after allowing sufficient time for the state to act. We are prepared to take further measures to secure our rightful entitlements,” the office bearer further commented.
Alongside these protest actions, the forum is also considering legal avenues against the state government.
It remains to be seen how the state will respond to this call for a cease-work by its employees.
Point of View
The ongoing situation between West Bengal government employees and the state government highlights a critical issue of employee rights and the adherence to judicial directives. The employees' collective action underscores their frustration and determination to secure their entitled benefits, reflecting a broader conversation on labor rights in the public sector.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the cease-work on March 13?
The cease-work is a protest against the West Bengal government's inaction regarding the Dearness Allowance payments for state employees.
What did the Supreme Court order regarding DA payments?
The Supreme Court directed the West Bengal government to implement a step-by-step approach for paying DA to employees and to pay 25% of the arrears from 2008 to 2019 by March 31.
What is 'Bandh Mubaraq'?
'Bandh Mubaraq' is the name given to the proposed cease-work, reflecting the employees' grievances during the Holi festival.
What legal actions are being considered by the employees?
The Sangrami Joutho Mancha is exploring legal options against the state government regarding the delay in DA payments.
How is the state government expected to respond?
It remains uncertain, but there are indications that the state may file a review petition with the Supreme Court.
