State opens dialogue on DA, jobs as CM meets employee representatives

MP, June 2, 2026, 1:22 AM, Kolkata: A crucial meeting on the long-pending dearness allowance (DA) demands of West Bengal government employees and pensioners was held at Nabanna on Monday, raising fresh hopes among the workforce.

The meeting between Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and representatives of Sangrami Joutho Mancha (SJM) came at a time when the process of clearing DA arrears has already begun. The nearly 90-minute discussion covered a wide range of issues, including DA, recruitment, administrative transparency, work culture, and future financial benefits, according to employee representatives.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bhaskar Ghosh of SJM said government employees had long lacked an opportunity for meaningful discussions on their concerns. “The organisation had requested that employee representatives be consulted before major decisions affecting their future were taken, and Monday’s meeting reflected that approach,” he said.

Ghosh claimed that the Chief Minister assured the delegation that the government would work towards completing recruitment for at least 50,000 vacant posts by December. He further said the Chief Minister assured them that the state government would fully comply with whatever directive is issued by the Supreme Court.

According to employee representatives, the present administration has indicated that it does not wish to repeat the legal and administrative confrontations that marked the issue in the past. The question of DA arrears and long-standing differences over their payment were also discussed. Employee leaders claimed the government adopted a positive stance and kept the door open for further dialogue to find a mutually acceptable solution.

The representatives also drew attention to various administrative issues, including allegations of corruption and a culture of intimidation in certain areas of governance. They urged the government to treat such complaints seriously and ensure accountability at all levels.

The SJM claimed that they have also been assured of the withdrawal of suspension of employees imposed by the previous government for participating in protests.

One of the most significant aspects of the meeting was the indication regarding the upcoming state budget. Ghosh said the Chief Minister informed them that several important announcements for government employees could be made in the state budget scheduled to be presented on June 22.

The state government has already begun releasing pending DA arrears for the period between April 2008 and December 2015.