Kolkata, May 19, 2025: After the Supreme Court directed the West Bengal government to pay 25% of the pending Dearness Allowance (DA) to state government employees, political and administrative circles have been abuzz with speculation. On Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee finally responded to the issue before departing for a three-day visit to North Bengal.
When questioned by reporters at Kolkata Airport, she stated briefly: “I do not comment on court cases. Whatever I do, I do legally.” This marks the first time CM Mamata Banerjee has commented—albeit cautiously—on the DA controversy following the Supreme Court’s latest verdict.
Will 25% DA Be Paid in June? CM Mamata Banerjee Breaks Silence on Supreme Court Order
Background of the DA Case: In 2022, a section of West Bengal’s government employees filed a case in the Calcutta High Court demanding central-level DA rates and clearance of arrears. On May 20, 2022, the High Court ordered the state to provide DA at a 31% rate. The state government challenged this decision in the Supreme Court.
After multiple postponements since December 2024, the Supreme Court on May 17, 2025, upheld the High Court’s decision and directed the West Bengal government to pay 25% of the pending DA within 6 weeks. All parties involved have also been asked to submit written statements within 4 weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for August 4, 2025.
Will DA Be Paid in June? This question is now dominating discussions among lakhs of state employees. Since the Supreme Court has given a six-week deadline, it implies that the state must clear the 25% arrears by June 30, 2025.
Opposition Reacts: Responding to Mamata Banerjee’s statement, Bhaskar Ghosh, convener of the Sangrami Joint Forum, said:
“Even to give a preliminary reaction, she seems hesitant. Clearly, the state was not expecting such a verdict. If she truly acts according to law, she should obey the Supreme Court order and pay the pending DA.”
What Next for the State Government? Will the state follow the top court’s directive or appeal before a different bench? According to Trinamool Congress sources, the final call will be taken by CM Mamata Banerjee herself. For now, no official statement has been made about the government’s next steps.
With the clock ticking, all eyes are now on Nabanna. Will June bring long-awaited financial relief for West Bengal’s government employees?
Leave a Reply