West Bengal DA Hike: Durga Puja Bonanza as Govt Raises DA to 38%; Higher Salaries & Pensions From October 1

The West Bengal government has given out a big festive-season gift to its employees and pensioners just a month ahead of Durga Puja.

The state Finance Department has formally notified about the hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), putting into effect the 20% hike that Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta had announced while presenting the state's budget for 2026-27 on June 22. With this DA hike, the state government employees will enjoy a 38% jump in basic pay, up from the earlier 18%.

West Bengal DA Hike To Kick In October 1

According to the notification issued by the Finance Department's audit branch, the hiked DA and DR will be payable from October 1.
This means employees and pensioners will see the higher amount reflected in their October pay and pension, which the state has indicated will be credited before Durga Puja which begins from October 11.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has said the October salaries will be disbursed ahead of the festival, providing employees the benefit of the DA hike right in time for the celebrations. Pensioners and those drawing family pension will also get Dearness Relief at the same 38% rate on their revised pension.

The order covers all regular state government employees, along with pensioners and family pensioners.Overall, the DA hike in West Bengal is expected to reach roughly 7.5 lakh employees and pensioners.

Relief for Employees Still Under the 5th Pay Commission

The notification also mentioned that employees still drawing salaries under the 5th Pay Commission will see their Dearness Allowance rise from 171% to 223% with effect from October 1.

Similarly, pensioners and family pensioners who are still on pre-revised pension under ROPA 2009 will get Dearness Relief at the same enhanced rate of 223%, until their pension is formally revised.

Daily Wage Workers Get a Jump Too

The government hasn't left out its daily-rated workforce. Daily wage or daily-rated workers whose pay isn't governed by any provision such as the Minimum Wages Act will get an ad-hoc increase of Rs. 110 per day, also effective October 1.