HC Seeks West Bengal Government's Stand on DA for Retired College Staff

MP, August 22, 2026, Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Friday directed the West Bengal government to disclose its stand on a plea seeking dearness allowance (DA) for retired non-teaching employees of state-aided colleges under the Revised Pay and Allowances Rules (ROPA), 2009.

Justice Amrita Sinha asked the state to file and circulate an affidavit setting out its position by September 11.

The petitioners will be entitled to file their response, if any, by September 22, following which the matter will be heard on October 6.

The petition was filed by Paschim Banga Abasar Prapta College Sikshakarmi Union, a recognised non-profit organisation representing retired non-teaching staff of state-aided colleges.

The Union and one of its office-bearers have sought directions for release of DA to its members under ROPA 2009.

Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya submitted that the members had been paid their salaries under ROPA 2009 during their service and were therefore entitled to DA in accordance with the Supreme Court’s February 5, 2026 judgment in the case concerning the Confederation of State Government Employees, West Bengal.

The petitioners have sought an order directing the state authorities to release the DA payable to them.

The state, represented by advocate Ranjan Kumar Sinha, sought time to obtain instructions and respond to the claims.

The court accordingly directed the government to place its stand on record through an affidavit.