West Bengal DA Hike Alert: Govt To Review 7th Pay Commission As Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu Raise DA by 2%

West Bengal DA Hike: The newly formed government in West Bengal is all set to discuss the DA hike implementation under the 7 CPC during a cabinet meeting scheduled for today, May 18. Several other states, including Bihar, Odisha and Tamil Nadu, have already announced fresh DA hikes for government employees, teachers and pensioners.

West Bengal government employees and pensioners have been demanding DA at par with central government staff for years, and the upcoming cabinet discussion has now brought some fresh hopes around a possible salary hike and 7th Pay Commission rollout in the state.

West Bengal Govt To Discuss DA Hike, 7th Pay Commission

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said several important matters related to government employees and pensioners will be discussed during the May 18 cabinet meeting, including Dearness Allowance and the Seventh Pay Commission.

At present, West Bengal government employees receive 22% DA after the state government announced a 4 % point increase in the interim Budget earlier this year.

However, employee unions continue to push for higher DA rates, arguing that the gap between state and central government employees is quite significant.

The reason behind the difference is that West Bengal employees are still covered under the 6th Pay Commission structure, while central government employees are already receiving salaries and DA under the 7th Pay Commission.

Other States That Announced DA hike

Bihar DA Hike: While West Bengal is still discussing the issue, the Bihar government has already approved a fresh Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief hike for lakhs of employees and pensioners. The decision was cleared during a cabinet meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary in Patna.

For the employees under the 7th Pay Commission, DA increased 2% from 58% to 60%. The revised DA rates in Bihar will come into effect from January 1, 2026.

Odisha DA Hike: The Odisha government has also announced a fresh DA hike for state employees and pensioners. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed that the Dearness Allowance has been increased from 58%to 60% and will be effective from January 1, 2026. The increased DA amount will be paid along with the May salary and pension.

Tamil Nadu DA Hike: Tamil Nadu has also joined the list of states announcing a DA hike in 2026. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said the state government has approved a 2% DA increase for government employees, teachers, pensioners and family pensioners.