Supreme Court Orders West Bengal to Clear DA Arrears from 2008-2019, Relief for 20 Lakh Staff

• The Supreme Court directed the West Bengal government to pay dearness allowance (DA) arrears to its employees for the period 2008-2019, calling it a legally enforceable right.
• The ruling provides significant relief to nearly 20 lakh state government staff, with 25% of outstanding DA to be paid by March 6.
• A committee, including former Supreme Court judge Justice Indu Malhotra, has been formed to determine the total amount and payment schedule.
• The first installment of arrears is due by March 31, and retired employees from the litigation period are also entitled to benefits.
• The total outstanding DA dues are estimated at nearly ₹41,000 crore, stemming from a Calcutta High Court ruling in 2022.