Kolkata: Bengal govt employees will get Rs 4,000 crore in pending DA by Nov 30, chief minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Wednesday. Separately, state govt has rolled out a salary advance scheme offering short-and long-term loans to help employees meet emergency and planned expenses.
Speaking to reporters at Nabanna, Adhikari said the total pending DA arrears stood at Rs 12,000 crore, of which Rs 8,000 crore had already been disbursed by the previous govt and the present dispensation. As per the Supreme Court order, the pending DA amounts to Rs 12,000 crore. Between the previous govt and us, we have disbursed Rs 8,000 crore. Retired Justice Indu Malhotra committee will be in Kolkata on Dec 14. But before that, by Nov 30, the pending DA will also be cleared,” he said. It directed the state to immediately release 25% of outstanding arrears and constituted an oversight committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Indu Malhotra to monitor calculations and finalise a timeline for disbursal of the remaining amount. Under the short-term facility, employees can avail up to 50% of their monthly salary, repayable within 60 days. The multi-month facility allows repayment over two to 60 months, subject to the tenure not extending beyond retirement. The advance may go up to 30 times monthly gross salary, while EMI cannot exceed 50% of gross salary. Separately, govt has raised the ceiling for advances to purchase motorcycles, scooters and electric two-wheelers to Rs 1.20 lakh.
Meanwhile, the finance department introduced West Bengal Salary Advance Scheme, offering regular govt employees across Groups A to D digital access to short-term and multi-month salary advances. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news. “I believe DA is their right. The CM added that govt had submitted its representations to Malhotra committee and would consider the matter after receiving its directions. In Feb, Supreme Court held that DA was an enforceable legal right of Bengal govt employees, not a discretionary grant. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance and reduce dependence on high-interest loans. No interest or processing, platform or convenience fee will apply if repayment is made on time. Instalments will be deducted directly from salaries after digital consent. The sanctioned amount will be the lowest of this ceiling, five months’ basic salary or anticipated vehicle cost. Download the TOI App.