The notification formalises an announcement made earlier by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and confirms that the revised rates will take effect from October.
The state government had earlier announced an additional 20 percentage point increase in DA in the Budget, taking the overall DA and DR to 38% from October 1. The revision will increase the take-home pay of eligible employees from their October salary.
Employees to receive October salary before Durga Puja
The revised DA and DR will benefit state government employees, pensioners and family pensioners, along with teaching and non-teaching staff of government-aided educational institutions.
The notification also covers employees of statutory bodies, government undertakings, panchayats, municipalities, municipal corporations and other local bodies.
Earlier, the state government directed the Finance Department to release October salaries before Durga Puja, instead of on the usual last working day of the month, allowing employees to receive their enhanced pay ahead of the festival.
What is dearness allowance?
Dearness allowance is paid to government employees and pensioners to help offset the impact of inflation. Since it is calculated as a percentage of an employee’s basic pay, the actual increase in salary will vary depending on the individual’s pay scale.
7th Pay Commission implementation next
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has also reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, which was recently constituted.
According to him, the commission is expected to submit its report in the coming months, following which the revised pay structure for state government employees will be implemented.
Adhikari has previously acknowledged that West Bengal’s dearness allowance remains lower than that of Central government employees, saying the gap cannot be bridged overnight and will take time to close.Also read: West Bengal government employees to receive 20% DA hike from October; salary before Durga Puja
