For years, West Bengal government employees have been on the streets, tirelessly fighting for their rightful dearness allowance (DA). Their demands have echoed through protests, strikes, and even courtrooms. The state government’s recent budget announcement of a 4% DA hike seems like a small victory for the agitators, but it barely scratches the surface of their grievances.
Here’s the harsh truth: while central government employees enjoy a 53% DA, their state counterparts are left with just 18%—a glaring 35% gap that remains unresolved. For many state employees, this disparity feels like a slap in the face, especially after years of relentless campaigning.
Adding to their frustration is the government’s stance in court. The administration has claimed that paying the arrears isn’t a legal obligation and argued it simply doesn’t have the financial resources. This explanation feels hollow to many, particularly when juxtaposed with the Chief Minister’s repeated claims of unprecedented progress during her tenure.
The numbers tell a different story. Last year, the state projected its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at ₹18.8 lakh crore for 2024-25. This year’s budget outlines ambitious plans: ₹500 crore for the Ghatal Master Plan, ₹200 crore for mobile phones for Anganwadi and ASHA workers, and ₹200 crore for riverbank erosion projects. Other schemes, like the Pathashree project and the Banglar Bari housing program, have received hefty allocations aimed at benefiting lakhs of families.
But for state employees, these announcements offer little comfort. Many feel left out, their contributions overlooked. “We’re not asking for charity; we’re asking for what’s rightfully ours,” said a government employee who has been part of the movement.
As the 2026 Assembly elections loom, this budget is the government’s last full-fledged one. While it promises progress and populist measures, for the state’s employees, it’s a bittersweet reminder of the uphill battle they face. The DA gap remains a symbol of their ongoing struggle—a fight not just for money, but for dignity and fairness.
