Dearness allowance, June 25 -- West Bengal's 20% hike in dearness allowance and dearness relief was a significant relief for state government employees and retired pensioners as it reduced the salary gap for them compared to peers in the Centre and other states.

The announcement in the state assembly by West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta on 22 June (Monday). It was part of the state's newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's maiden full budget.

Earlier, addressing a preparatory meeting for the BJP's special training camp, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had assured that DA would be announced in the state Budget.

The 20% hike in DA and DR, effect from 1 October 2026 increases each component to 38% of...