Has the Bengal Government Approached the SC for DA Revision?
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Synopsis
The West Bengal government is making headlines as it seeks a crucial revision from the Supreme Court regarding the pending dearness allowance. With significant financial implications, the government's actions could affect welfare schemes and employee morale. Stay tuned to learn how this development impacts the state and its finances!
Key Takeaways
- The West Bengal government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court for a review of a DA ruling.
- They aim to pay 25 percent of the pending dearness allowance dues.
- This payment could result in a significant outflow from the state treasury.
- The dearness allowance rate for Bengal employees is notably lower than that of central counterparts.
- Concerns arise about the impact on welfare scheme funding.
Kolkata, June 12 (NationPress) The government of West Bengal has approached the Supreme Court to request a revision of the previous order concerning the disbursement of pending dearness allowance.
Sources from the state secretariat revealed that in the petition submitted to the Apex Court, the government has also sought clarifications on specific aspects of the ruling issued last month.
Despite the petition being filed, the state government is simultaneously preparing to disburse 25 percent of the pending dearness allowance dues by the stipulated deadline.
"However, since the Supreme Court is currently on vacation, the petition may not be scheduled for hearing until after the vacation concludes. To mitigate any risk of contempt of court, the state government is proceeding with preparations to pay the 25 percent of the pending dues as mandated by the Supreme Court," stated a senior official of the state government who preferred to remain anonymous.
The immediate disbursement of 25 percent of the pending dearness allowance is projected to lead to a substantial outflow of over Rs 10,000 crore from the state treasury, according to estimates from the state Finance Department.
At present, government employees in Bengal are receiving a dearness allowance rate of merely 18 percent, compared to 55 percent enjoyed by their counterparts at the central level and in numerous other state governments.
Employees within the state Finance Department are concerned that this financial outflow could adversely affect several monthly payments associated with various welfare schemes implemented by the state government.
Last month, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indirectly held the Union government accountable for the DA crisis, asserting that the Union government had frozen payments under various centrally-sponsored schemes to the state, compelling the state government to fund these projects independently, thus exerting continuous pressure on the state treasury.
Point of View
It's essential to observe that the West Bengal government's approach to the Supreme Court reflects an ongoing struggle between state and central financial dynamics. This development warrants careful attention, as it highlights the challenges faced by state governments in managing fiscal responsibilities while ensuring employee welfare.
NationPress
13/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the West Bengal government's petition to the Supreme Court?
The West Bengal government is seeking a revision of an earlier Supreme Court order regarding the clearance of pending dearness allowance dues.
How much of the pending dearness allowance is the state government preparing to pay?
The state government is preparing to pay 25 percent of the pending dearness allowance dues.
What financial impact will the immediate payment of dearness allowance have?
The immediate payment of 25 percent of the pending dues is expected to drain over Rs 10,000 crore from the state exchequer.
How does the dearness allowance in West Bengal compare to that of central government employees?
Currently, employees in West Bengal receive a dearness allowance of 18 percent, while central government employees receive 55 percent.
What are the potential implications of this financial outflow?
This financial outflow may affect the timely disbursement of monthly payments under various welfare schemes run by the state government.
