How Did the Gap in DA Rates for Central and Bengal Government Employees Widen?
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Synopsis
The widening gap in Dearness Allowance rates has sparked outrage among West Bengal government employees. As protests loom post-Puja festivities, the disparity of 40 percent compared to Central government employees raises questions about fairness and equity in employee compensation.
Key Takeaways
- The DA gap between Central and West Bengal government employees has reached 40 percent.
- The Central government DA rate is now 58 percent.
- West Bengal government employees receive a mere 18 percent.
- Protests are planned post-Puja to demand equitable DA payments.
- The Supreme Court has ordered the state to pay 25 percent of DA arrears.
Kolkata, Oct 2 (NationPress) Following the Union Cabinet's recent approval of a three percent increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central government employees and pensioners, the disparity in DA rates between West Bengal government employees and their Central counterparts has further escalated.
The current DA for Central government employees is now a substantial 58 percent, contrasting sharply with a mere 18 percent for West Bengal government employees, resulting in a staggering gap of 40 percent.
In response to this widening gap, the United Forum of State Government Employees, which represents state government workers advocating for equitable DA payments with Central government employees, is gearing up for a significant protest movement right after the festive season ends.
Forum convener Bhaskar Ghosh stated that no other state in India faces such a significant disparity between the DA rates of its state government employees and those of the Union government.
“The West Bengal government is uniquely depriving its state employees. Even states with weaker economies than Bengal do not face such disparities,” Ghosh asserted.
Earlier this year, a Division Bench of the Supreme Court instructed the West Bengal government to promptly pay 25 percent of the DA arrears to its employees. However, the state government has since filed a review petition regarding this order.
Recently, both the West Bengal government and various employee associations submitted written statements to the Supreme Court on this matter.
The state government contended that under Article 309 of the Indian Constitution, each state has the authority to determine the salaries and allowances of its employees and is not obligated to adhere to the DA policies of the Centre.
In contrast, employee associations argue that the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) should serve as the standard for calculating DA for West Bengal government employees, aligning with the benchmarks set by the Union government and several other states.
Point of View
We recognize this issue touches the core of wage equity and fairness. The disparity in DA rates raises critical questions about the treatment of government employees across different states, and it's vital to address these disparities to ensure all employees are valued equally, regardless of their region.
NationPress
02/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current DA rate for Central government employees?
The current DA rate for Central government employees is 58 percent.
How much are West Bengal government employees receiving?
West Bengal government employees are currently receiving a DA rate of 18 percent.
What is the planned action by state government employees?
State government employees plan to initiate a major protest movement after the Puja festivities.
What legal action has been taken regarding DA arrears?
The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal government to pay 25 percent of the DA arrears to employees.
What benchmark is suggested for calculating DA in West Bengal?
Employee associations suggest using the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) as the benchmark for calculating DA.
