West Bengal clears pending DA dues for employees:Raises honorariums ahead of Assembly poll dates

The Government of West Bengal has decided to release all pending Dearness Allowance (DA) dues to state government employees and pensioners in accordance with the rules and directions of the Supreme Court of India. The announcement came just hours before the expected declaration of dates for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly election. DA dues under ROPA 2009 According to the state government, employees and pensioners will receive their pending DA dues under ROPA 2009. The benefit will extend to government staff, teachers, non-teaching staff of educational institutions, and employees and pensioners of grant-in-aid bodies. These include personnel working with panchayats, municipal bodies and other local authorities. Officials said the payment of dues will begin from March 2026, following the modalities outlined in notifications issued by the Finance Department. The move is expected to benefit a large number of serving employees as well as retired personnel across the state. Honorarium for religious functionaries increased In another decision, the government has announced a ₹500 increase in the monthly honorarium for purohits and muezzins. With this revision, their monthly honorarium will rise to ₹2,000. The state government said the increase recognises the important role played by these religious functionaries in sustaining the spiritual and social fabric of communities. Fresh applications also approved Alongside the revision in honorarium, the government has also approved all fresh applications submitted by purohits and muezzins for the scheme. Officials said the step reflects the administration’s effort to extend support to religious and community service providers across different sections of society. Mamata Banerjee stresses inclusive approach Reacting to the decision on the social media platform X, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the government takes pride in nurturing an inclusive environment where every community and tradition is respected. She added that such initiatives ensure that the custodians of the country’s rich spiritual heritage receive recognition and continued support.