Mamata Banerjee On Protests Over Dearness Allowance

“Which different authorities offers so many holidays with pay?” Mamata Banerjee requested.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit out at Opposition-backed protests over Dearness Allowance problem, declaring the state doesn’t have funds to pay extra to its staff. The Opposition BJP, Congress and the Left within the state have been demanding Dearness Allowance or DA on par with Central authorities staff.

“They maintain asking for extra. How rather more will I give?” Ms Banerjee informed the state legislative meeting on Monday.

“It’s not attainable for our authorities to provide any extra DA. We do not have the cash. We now have given a further 3 per cent DA. Chances are you’ll chop my head off in case you are not proud of it. How rather more do you want?” she stated.

State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, who introduced the 2023-24 funds within the meeting on February 15, had introduced that the federal government can pay 3 per cent extra DA to its staff, together with academics and pensioners, from March.

Until now, the state had been giving 3 per cent of the fundamental wage as DA and the funds announcement meant that the federal government can pay 3 per cent extra DA to its staff, together with academics and pensioners, from March.

Ms Banerjee hit out on the Left and BJP in her speech. Each events are supporting the continued state authorities staff’ demand for DA at par with central authorities staff.  

“Central authorities and state authorities pay scales are completely different. At present the BJP, Congress, and the CPM have come collectively. Which different authorities offers so many holidays with pay?” Mamata Banerjee requested.

“I’ve paid DA amounting to 1.79 lakh crore to authorities staff. We now have 40 days of go away with pay. Why are you evaluating with the Central Authorities? We give free rice however have a look at the value of cooking gasoline? They elevated costs a day after elections. What else do these folks should be glad?” Ms Banerjee stated, hitting out on the Opposition.