The state government has directed the finance department to release October salaries ahead of the festival instead of on the usual last working day of the month, giving employees an early festive payout.
The 20% DA, announced in the state Budget earlier this year, will also be credited from October, resulting in higher take-home pay for eligible employees.
What does the DA announcement mean?
Dearness Allowance is paid to government employees and pensioners to offset the impact of inflation. Since DA is calculated as a percentage of basic pay, the actual increase in salary will vary depending on an employee’s pay scale.
The state government said the additional 20% DA will be paid from October, although it did not announce any further increase beyond what was provided for in the Budget.
What about the 7th Pay Commission?
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, which was constituted recently.
According to Adhikari, the commission is expected to submit its report in the coming months, following which the government will implement the revised pay structure for state employees.
DA gap with Central government
Adhikari acknowledged that a significant gap remains between the dearness allowance paid by the Centre and West Bengal.
“There is a 42% DA gap between the Centre and the state. We cannot bridge that gap overnight; it will take time,” he said.
He also noted that many states have already revised the salaries of their employees, while West Bengal employees are still awaiting the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission.
(With inputs from PTI)
