West Bengal cabinet to take up DA, 7th Pay Commission at next meeting

The West Bengal government will take up key issues, including dearness allowance for state employees and the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, at its next cabinet meeting on May 18, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Monday.

Addressing reporters, Adhikari said the meeting would also discuss law and order issues, crimes against women, institutional corruption and matters related to the RG Kar case.

“Next Monday, I will hold another cabinet meeting where we will discuss the RG Kar issue, atrocities on women, institutional corruption, and the pay commission,” he said.

He said several important matters could not be discussed at the first cabinet meeting due to time constraints.

“At the first meeting, decisions were taken only on files that were already prepared. More detailed policy matters will come up at the next meeting,” he said.

State government employees have long been demanding DA at rates on a par with central government staff. The issue is currently pending before the Supreme Court.

With a change in government, employees are hopeful that the new administration will announce DA in line with central rates.

The government is also likely to consider setting up the Seventh Pay Commission, which could lead to a revision in the salaries of state government employees.

Adhikari said senior ministers Dilip Ghosh and Agnimitra Paul would brief the media after the cabinet meeting.

“Next Monday, senior leaders Ghosh and Paul will brief reporters,” he said.

(With agency inputs.)