Did the Bengal government really spend over Rs 200 crore to deny DA to state employees?
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Synopsis
In a striking allegation, Suvendu Adhikari claims the West Bengal government spent over Rs 200 crore to deny dearness allowance to state employees. The Supreme Court's recent order may change the financial landscape for these workers. Read on to discover the implications of this legal battle and what it means for the state's economy.
Key Takeaways
- West Bengal government spent over Rs 200 crore on legal fees.
- Supreme Court orders payment of 25 percent of dearness allowance dues.
- State employees face a prolonged struggle for their rights.
- Current DA for state employees is only 18 percent.
- Potential outflow of Rs 12,000 crore from the state treasury.
Kolkata, May 17 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, a member of the BJP, has claimed that the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has expended over Rs 200 crore on legal fees to withhold the rightful dearness allowance (DA) owed to state employees.
On Friday, a division bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Manoj Mishra, instructed the state government to disburse 25 percent of the outstanding dearness allowance within the next four weeks, after which the case will be revisited.
Adhikari remarked, "State employees have faced an extended battle to secure their rightful dues. Despite directives from the Tribunal and the Calcutta High Court in favor of the employees, the state government chose to escalate the issue to the Supreme Court. Aware that their petition would not succeed, they wasted over Rs 200 crore on unnecessary legal expenses. This money could have funded at least 10 new hospitals or 200 new schools."
He further noted that the state government is fortunate the Supreme Court ultimately ordered only 25 percent of the dues be paid within the specified timeframe.
"The Supreme Court initially ordered the state to pay 50 percent of the dues immediately; however, after a plea from the state’s counsel, they compassionately reduced it to 25 percent within the next four weeks," Adhikari added.
The Joint Forum of State Government Employees, which has been leading the advocacy for these dues, welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling as a significant setback for the state government.
"We are set to receive 25 percent of our dearness allowance within the next four weeks. We are optimistic that we will eventually receive all our owed dues," stated Bhaskar Ghosh, convener of the joint forum.
Currently, West Bengal government employees are granted dearness allowances at a rate of only 18 percent, compared to the 55 percent received by their counterparts in the Union government and various other state governments.
According to preliminary estimates, the payment of 25 percent of dues will lead to an immediate outflow of around Rs 12,000 crore from the state treasury.
Point of View
It is evident that the ongoing struggle for fair compensation among West Bengal government employees is both crucial and complex. The financial implications of this legal battle could have lasting effects not just for the employees, but also for the state's economy as a whole. It remains essential for all stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance process.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dearness allowance?
Dearness allowance (DA) is a cost of living adjustment allowance paid to government employees to mitigate the impact of inflation.
Who is Suvendu Adhikari?
Suvendu Adhikari is the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal and a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
What did the Supreme Court order regarding DA?
The Supreme Court directed the West Bengal government to pay 25 percent of the pending dearness allowance dues within four weeks.
How much has the Bengal government spent on legal fees?
Suvendu Adhikari alleges that the Bengal government has spent over Rs 200 crore on legal fees to deny DA to state employees.
What are the implications of the court ruling?
The court ruling may lead to a significant financial burden on the state government, with an immediate outflow of around Rs 12,000 crore.
