WB Govt hikes DA to 18%, SC hearing delayed, employee unions announce strike

The West Bengal government has increased the Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees and pensioners by 4%, raising it to 18% effective April 1. The decision, announced during the budget speech, comes amid ongoing demands for full DA parity with central government employees, whose DA currently stands at 53%. The notification was issued by Nabanna on Tuesday, confirming that pensioners will also receive an 18% increase in Dearness Relief (DR).

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court hearing on the DA case, initially expected this year, has been postponed again. The next hearing is now scheduled for April 2026. Employee unions have been demanding a resolution to the issue, arguing that the DA gap between state and central employees remains significant at 35%. Left-backed employee unions have criticized the delay and the partial hike, calling for a three-hour strike in government offices across West Bengal from April 7 to April 9 to press for full DA parity.

The state government, facing financial constraints, has defended its decision, stating that the increase aligns with its fiscal capacity. Trinamool-backed employee unions have welcomed the hike, while opposition-backed unions have continued their protest, arguing that the increase is insufficient. The situation remains tense as employee groups push for further revisions in DA policy.