What Steps is the Bengal Finance Department Taking for DA Dues?
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Synopsis
The Bengal Finance Department is conducting a survey to identify eligible state employees for dearness allowance dues after a Supreme Court ruling. With around 10 lakh potential recipients, the state faces a significant financial burden estimated at Rs 12,000 crore. Will the government act swiftly?
Key Takeaways
- The Finance Department is surveying to identify eligible employees.
- Approximately 10 lakh employees may qualify for dues.
- Employees appointed after 2019 are not eligible.
- Confusion exists regarding certain school staff eligibility.
- The financial impact is projected to be Rs 12,000 crore.
Kolkata, May 28 (NationPress) Following the Supreme Court's ruling earlier this month mandating the West Bengal government to urgently disburse 25 percent of the dearness allowance dues to state government employees, the Finance Department has initiated a survey to determine the precise number of both current and retired employees eligible for this payment.
According to sources from the Finance Department, initial projections suggest that approximately 10 lakh individuals qualify, encompassing those from various state government departments, state-run educational institutions, affiliated organizations such as municipalities and municipal corporations, in addition to retired personnel.
Employees who were appointed in 2019 or later will not qualify for the dearness allowance dues, as the last Revision of Pay & Allowance (RoPA) under the 5th Pay Commission, which was implemented in 2009 under the previous Left Front administration, concluded in 2019. The duration of each RoPA period is 10 years.
A point of contention has emerged during the survey regarding whether the teaching and non-teaching staff in state-run schools who were appointed under the 2016 panel and subsequently lost their positions due to a Supreme Court ruling last month will be eligible for the 25 percent dearness allowance dues.
The state government has yet to reach a conclusive decision on this issue.
In addition to determining the number of eligible employees, officials from the Finance Department are also exploring funding options for this payment, which is projected to cost the state treasury approximately Rs 12,000 crore.
So far, members of the state cabinet, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have refrained from commenting on the Supreme Court's order regarding the immediate payment of 25 percent dearness allowance arrears. The Chief Minister previously stated that she would not comment on the issue but would respond to it legally.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the complexities surrounding the Supreme Court's ruling and the subsequent actions taken by the Bengal Finance Department. This situation reflects a broader concern regarding employee rights and state financial management. The government's response will be pivotal in shaping public trust and ensuring that eligible employees receive their due compensation in a timely manner.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Supreme Court order regarding dearness allowance?
The Supreme Court ordered the West Bengal government to clear 25 percent of the dearness allowance dues to state employees immediately.
How many employees are estimated to be eligible for the payment?
Initial estimates indicate that around 10 lakh current and retired state government employees may be eligible for the payment.
Will employees appointed after 2019 receive the dues?
No, employees appointed in 2019 or later are not eligible as the last Revision of Pay & Allowance term ended in 2019.
Is there uncertainty regarding the eligibility of certain school staff?
Yes, there is confusion regarding whether teaching and non-teaching staff from the 2016 panel who lost their jobs will be eligible for the dues.
How much will the payment cost the state exchequer?
The estimated cost for this payment is around Rs 12,000 crore.
