Members of the Joint Forum of State Government Employees in Kolkata rallied to demand the Mamata Banerjee government to release the 25% pending Dearness Allowance (DA) as per the Supreme Court’s ruling. The protesters, including BJP MP Saumitra Khan, marched from Subodh Mallick Square to Rani Rashmoni Road in central Kolkata. They criticized the state government for hesitating to clear the outstanding DA despite the court order.
The demonstrators accused the government of not making any official statement on the DA even after the Supreme Court’s directive. Concerned about a potential review petition from the government, employees mobilized to ensure compliance with the court’s decision. Bhaskar Ghosh, the convener of the joint forum, emphasized the importance of the DA release, stating that it would benefit employees and stimulate economic activity.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on February 5, mentioned forming a committee led by the Chief Secretary to review the matter following the court’s decision. The Supreme Court mandated the state government to disburse 25% of the DA by March 31 and establish a committee to address the remaining 75%. The court had previously reserved its judgement on the case in August last year.
Since April 1, 2025, Bengal government employees have received a fixed 18% dearness allowance based on last year’s budget. The disparity between central and state government employees stands at approximately 40%. The DA issue has seen numerous delays and legal proceedings, with the state government seeking extensions due to financial constraints.
