4% DA Hike Announced For Government Employees In West Bengal: Interim Budget 2026

The Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government has announced a 4% increase in dearness allowance (DA) for state employees in its interim budget for the financial year 2026-27.

The announcement was made by Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya while presenting the budget in the state assembly on Thursday.

The interim budget of Rs 4.06 lakh crore comes just months before the upcoming state elections, making it a politically significant financial plan. Along with the DA hike, the government also announced several welfare measures aimed at employees, unemployed youth, and grassroots workers.

Dearness Allowance Hike For State Employees

One of the major highlights of the interim budget is the 4% increase in dearness allowance for government employees. This decision is expected to provide some financial relief to employees who have long demanded parity with central government DA rates.

The Finance Minister stated that the government remains committed to supporting its workforce and improving their financial security. Although the hike may not fully bridge the gap between state and central DA rates, it signals an effort to address employee concerns.

New Schemes For Youth And Workers

Apart from the DA hike, the West Bengal government announced several schemes aimed at supporting different sections of society.

The allowance for ASHA and Anganwadi workers will be increased by ₹1,000 per month. These frontline workers play a key role in public health and child welfare programmes, and the increase is meant to recognise their contribution.

A new scheme called Banglar Yuva Sathi has also been announced. Under this scheme, unemployed youth aged between 21 and 40 will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,500 until they secure a job or for a maximum period of five years. The government plans to roll out this scheme on 15 August if the Trinamool Congress returns to power after the elections.

In addition, civic volunteers and Green Police personnel will receive a monthly pay hike of ₹1,000. An allocation of ₹150 crore has been set aside for this purpose in the budget.

Supreme Court Order On DA Arrears

The interim budget was presented on the same day the Supreme Court directed the West Bengal government to release pending dearness allowance dues for employees covering the period from 2008 to 2019.

The court ordered the state to pay 25% of the outstanding DA arrears by 6 March. It observed that dearness allowance is a legally enforceable right of employees and must be paid accordingly.

This ruling is significant as it addresses a long-standing dispute between state employees and the government over pending DA payments. The decision is expected to bring relief to thousands of employees awaiting their dues.

Focus On Welfare Ahead Of Elections

With state elections less than three months away, the interim budget clearly focuses on welfare and financial support for various groups. From DA hikes to new youth schemes and increased allowances for workers, the government has attempted to address key concerns of its workforce and unemployed youth.

The coming weeks will reveal how these announcements influence public sentiment as West Bengal moves closer to the assembly elections.