Kolkata, 22 April (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced that state government employees will receive the pending 4% Dearness Allowance (DA) along with their salaries within this month.

The DA hike was originally announced in the state budget in February, but even after two months, employees have not yet received the additional amount. Addressing an election rally, Banerjee expressed strong displeasure over the delay and blamed the Election Commission for holding up the process.

She alleged that the state’s Finance Secretary had sent the necessary documents to the Election Commission without informing her, and the Commission subsequently withheld approval, leading to the delay. “Otherwise, you would have received the money much earlier,” she said.

Assuring employees, the Chief Minister said there is no need for concern as the 4% DA will be credited within this month.

Banerjee also highlighted various welfare schemes of her government and promised efforts to generate employment for educated youth.

Notably, the issue of pending DA arrears is still under consideration in the Supreme Court. While a portion of the arrears has been paid following court directions, uncertainty remains over the remaining dues. Reports suggest that employees of government-aided institutions and pensioners are yet to receive any portion of the outstanding arrears.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey