The Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal on Tuesday announced an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) by 4 per cent for state government employees from April onwards, instead of May. The DA hike will take effect on April 1, 2024.
Government workers will see the rise in DA from the month of April, not May, and it will be included in their July salary, as per a notification from the State Finance Department.
As per the notification, the DA hike will be applicable on government-aided educational institution employees, panchayat workers, municipal staff, and retired government employees and their families. The Governor has approved this decision after a thorough review.
Banerjee announced a 4% increase in DA in December 2023, which came into effect from January 1, 2024. The announcement, which the Chief Minister described as a Christmas Gift, was made ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
Later in February 2024, the state government again raised the DA by 4% for state government employees. The same will be effective from May 2024. This announcement was made during West Bengal’s state budget session.
The state’s budget also revealed an enhancement in financial assistance under the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme.
General category households will now receive Rs 1,000, while SC/ST households are set to receive Rs 1,200. Additionally, SC/ST women will be entitled to Rs 1,200, and others will receive Rs 1,000 under the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, effective from April 2024.