<p>DA HIKE: Mamata Banerjee might make a big announcement about a DA hike for state government employees in the February 2nd state budget. That’s what government employees are hoping for.</p><p> </p><img><p>West Bengal government staff and retirees currently receive an 18% DA. They have been protesting for a long time, demanding DA on par with central government employees.</p><img><p>Last year, Mamata Banerjee announced a 4% DA hike in the budget, bringing the current rate to 18%. No increase has been made since then.</p><img><p>Some employees think a DA hike might be announced in this budget. However, they are unsure of the amount and are worried since the 2023 budget had no such announcement.</p><img><p>The central budget is on Feb 1, with the state budget likely on Feb 2. With elections this year, the government might announce a big DA hike, raising employees’ hopes.</p><img><p>State employees are under the 6th Pay Commission, while central staff are under the 7th, with the 8th now implemented for them. Central staff get 58% DA vs 18% for state staff.</p><img><p>State employees demand DA on par with central staff and the 7th Pay Commission’s implementation. They feel they are far behind and want pending DA arrears cleared quickly.</p>
