DA hike: West Bengal govt employees to get 20% dearness allowance increase, October salaries before Durga Puja, says CM

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a 20% dearness allowance increase for state government employees, effective from October 2026.

October salaries will be released before Durga Puja festivities, which occur in mid-October, allowing employees to receive their pay by mid-month.

Adhikari said the state is committed to reducing the 42% DA gap between state and central government employees, but cannot bridge it overnight.

The government is also committed to implementing the 7th state pay commission's recommendations, with the panel constituted in July 2026.

The 20% DA hike was announced in the state budget and is part of efforts to address pay parity with central employees.