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Dearness Allowance Hike: There is great news for West Bengal government employees. The state government has announced that, starting in October and before Durga Puja, employees will receive an additional 20 percent Dearness Allowance (DA). Furthermore, the salary for October will be credited to employees' accounts before the commencement of Durga Puja. This decision is expected to provide financial relief to employees during the festive season.

Chief Minister Issues Directives to Release Salary and DA
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made this announcement during an event held at 'Bhabani Bhawan,' the West Bengal Police headquarters in Kolkata. He stated that instructions have been issued to the Finance Minister and the Finance Secretary to release the October salary before Durga Puja. Additionally, employees are to be given an extra 20 percent Dearness Allowance during the month of the festival.

20% Additional Dearness Allowance to Take Effect from October
The Chief Minister noted that the state government budget had already announced the provision of an additional 20 percent Dearness Allowance to employees starting in October. The government is now moving forward to implement this decision. This means that during Durga Puja, employees will benefit from the increased DA alongside their salaries.

October Salary to be Received Before the Festival
Typically, West Bengal government employees receive their salaries on the last working day of the month. However, with the implementation of this decision, the October salary will reach employees' accounts well before Durga Puja, which falls in mid-October this year. This will allow employees to access funds early for festival preparations.

42% Gap Between Central and State DA
The Chief Minister pointed out that there is currently a 42 percent gap in Dearness Allowance between Central government employees and West Bengal government employees. He acknowledged that it is not possible to eliminate such a significant gap overnight. However, he assured that the government is committed to gradually reducing this disparity.

Implementation of 7th Pay Commission Recommendations
The Chief Minister also stated that the state government would implement the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, which was constituted some time ago. He emphasized that the government is continuously working towards providing employees with the benefits of better salaries and allowances.

What benefits will employees receive?
Following this government decision, the way has been cleared for lakhs of employees to receive their October salary in advance ahead of Durga Puja. Additionally, they will receive an extra 20 percent Dearness Allowance (DA) starting from October. The government states that efforts to narrow the gap in DA between central and state government employees will continue.

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