Dearness Allowance to rise to 38% from October, boosting salaries and pensions.
Kolkata, June 22, 2026: The West Bengal government has announced a major relief package for state government employees and pensioners by approving a 20% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA). The announcement was made by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta while presenting the state budget in the Assembly on Monday.
The decision, taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, is expected to significantly increase the monthly earnings of lakhs of government employees and retirees across the state.
New DA Rates Effective from October
The enhanced DA rates will come into effect from October 1, 2026, providing a financial boost ahead of the festive season. The increase will benefit both serving employees and pensioners through higher dearness relief payments.
Following the latest revision, the total Dearness Allowance for West Bengal government employees will rise to 38%.
Relief Amid Rising Inflation
Dearness Allowance is provided to government employees and pensioners to offset the impact of inflation on their income. The allowance is calculated as a percentage of an employee’s basic salary and is revised periodically based on price movements.
Balancing Welfare and Finances
While presenting the budget, the finance minister stated that despite the state’s debt burden, the government has prioritized employee welfare and sought to maintain a balance between fiscal responsibility and social commitments.
The announcement was welcomed by ruling party legislators, who applauded the move in the Assembly.
The DA hike is expected to improve disposable incomes for lakhs of households and provide additional support amid rising living costs.
