The West Bengal government has made a significant decision by increasing the Dearness Allowance (DA) by 4%. This hike will be applicable from April 1, 2024. Notably, government employees will start receiving the increased DA from April, with the first disbursement included in the July salary. The State Finance Department issued a notification to confirm this update.

Mamata Banerjee’s Christmas Announcement

On December 21 last year, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the 4% DA hike during a Christmas program in Kolkata. Following this announcement, the Finance Department of the West Bengal government issued an official notification in the first week of the new year, formalizing the dearness allowance increase for government employees.

Governor’s Approval

West Bengal: Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief increased by 4%. Government notification released today. The order comes into implementation with effect from from 1st april 2024. pic.twitter.com/2hYMGHS9DG

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2024

According to the notification, the increased DA will benefit government employees, employees of government-approved educational institutions, panchayats and panchayat workers, municipal corporations, municipalities, local boards, and pension recipients of retired government employees and their families. The Governor approved this decision after a thorough review.

Financial Impact

The 4% DA hike will place a financial burden of Rs 2,400 crore on the state government. This increase reduces the inflation gap between central government employees and state government employees by 36%. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted that while DA is mandatory for the central government, it remains optional for state governments. The DA hike will benefit approximately 14 lakh government employees in West Bengal.