West Bengal’s government employees and those on pension have been anxiously waiting for information on their Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears and the decision by the Supreme Court on May 25 has provided important news. The court told the state government to settle 25% of the DA arrears for state employees and pensioners in no more than three months. With this move, the state government is making a big step toward resolving the old DA dispute which had languished for years because of the state’s financial challenges2.
Supreme Court’s Directive on DA Arrears
The legal battle started when the High Court of Calcutta told the state government to address DA arrears in May 2022. The West Bengal government argued in court that it did not have the needed money to meet the decision’s requirements. Now, the highest court has decided that employees should receive their DA arrears, as DA is not something employers can choose but a double-entitled right for workers3.
Financial Implications for the State Government
The West Bengal government has ₹41,770.95 crore in total DA arrears that cover pay due from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2015. The Supreme Court has made the state pay ₹10,442.73 crore, covering one-fourth of what is owed. The outstanding amount will be dealt with later during hearings in August 2025.
Employees’ Response and Political Reactions
Union members working in state governments greeted the ruling, as they have been holding protests for 918 days on DA parity with officials in the central government. Critics from the opposition argue the West Bengal government has not dealt well with its finances while neglecting workers’ rights. A few politicians are now arguing that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should resign because there is such a long wait for employees to get their DA.
Future Outlook and Next Steps
Even though the Supreme Court order offers partial help, workers are still waiting for full DA to match the 55% given to central government employees, while their own is now at 18%. In August 2025, another meeting will be held to discuss how much will be paid next and if the state government will pay all remaining arrears.
Conclusion
For both government workers and pensioners in West Bengal, the lastest May 2025 DA update reflects a success, since a share of their delayed payments will be paid within the next three months. Even so, campaigners for DA parity are not finished and the outcome of the August 2025 hearing will hold the key to solving this lasting concern.
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