20% DA hike before Puja, announces CM Suvendu; increases police ration allowance to 2,000

Addressing a gathering at Bhabani Bhavan, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari outlined key administrative and welfare measures despite highlighting the state's severe financial constraints. He announced that the process for implementing the 7th Pay Commission in West Bengal is underway, promising state government employees a 20% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike before the upcoming Durga Puja festival to gradually bridge the existing 42% DA gap with central government standards. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced an increase in the police ration allowance from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000, which had remained unchanged since 2017.

Commending the prompt police response in the recent Baruipur incident, the Chief Minister urged law enforcement agencies across the state to learn from the operation while assuring that political influence would be separated from police duties. He stated that police personnel would no longer be forced to attend political rallies off-duty and requested officers to extend special support to elderly citizens living alone. Furthermore, he raised serious concerns regarding the growing spread of illegal drugs like narcotics and cannabis affecting the state's youth.

To focus directly on law enforcement personnel's well-being, the Chief Minister announced the upcoming formation of an apolitical Police Welfare Council. This dedicated committee will consist of police representatives and concentrate solely on addressing service conditions, welfare, and operational support for the force. Reaffirming his hands-on approach to governance, Chief Minister Adhikari stated that he remains active on the ground from 8:00 AM to midnight every day to deliver on administrative promises.