Sangrami Joutho Mancha, a coalition of West Bengal Government employees’ associations, has announced a complete work stoppage on March 13. This action is a response to the state government’s alleged failure to address the Dearness Allowance (DA) owed to them. The forum claims that despite a recent Supreme Court order directing the state to implement a phased approach to align DA for state employees with that of central government staff since 2008, no progress has been made.
The Joint Movement Forum decided to declare the work stoppage on the occasion of Holi, referring to it as “Bandh Mubaraq.” They highlighted that the Supreme Court mandated the state to pay 25% of the DA arrears from 2008 to 2019 by March 31, yet the state has not taken any steps towards compliance. An official from the forum emphasized that while the government spends on festivities, employees are left without their dues, prompting the symbolic work stoppage on March 13.
Expressing disappointment in the state government’s inaction, the forum member revealed that they have learned about the government’s plan to file a review petition with the Supreme Court. Despite anticipating a decision on the first installment by March 6, the employees have scheduled a protest for March 13 to press for their rightful entitlements. They are prepared to pursue all necessary actions to secure their legitimate demands, including legal recourse against the state government.
In addition to the planned protest, the forum has prepared legal measures against the state government. The employees are keen to observe how the state government will respond to their call for a work stoppage, emphasizing their determination to uphold their rights through peaceful demonstrations and legal channels.
