Will the Bengal Budget Announce a DA Hike?

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata: The West Bengal Assembly’s budget session is set to begin on February 10, with Finance Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya presenting the budget on February 12. Among the many expectations surrounding the budget, one of the most pressing is the demand for a Dearness Allowance (DA) hike by state government employees.

The central government has already increased DA for its employees multiple times and recently approved the 8th Pay Commission. Several other states have also raised DA for their employees. However, in West Bengal, government employees have been protesting for years over the disparity. Currently, central government employees receive DA at a rate of 53%, while their West Bengal counterparts get only 14%. The employees are demanding full clearance of pending DA arrears and the formation of a new pay commission.

With the 2026 assembly elections approaching, this is the last full budget for the current state government. Many believe that this could be the opportune moment for the administration to address the DA issue. However, whether the government will fulfill these demands or continue its existing policy remains to be seen. All eyes are now on the budget announcement on February 12.