West Bengal Government Constitutes Committee to Review Supreme Court DA Directive
The West Bengal government, on Thursday, announced the formation of a high-level 5-member committee to scrutinize the recent Supreme Court order mandating the payment of 25% of outstanding dearness allowance (DA) to approximately 20 lakh state employees by March 31. The committee, headed by Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty, is tasked with examining the judicial directive and proposing the next steps for the state administration.
Immediate Financial Burden and Total Liability
The Supreme Court's decision is projected to impose an immediate financial burden of Rs 10,000 crore on the state exchequer, with the total liability estimated to reach around Rs 42,000 crore. This significant outlay has prompted the state government to adopt a cautious approach, emphasizing the need for thorough analysis before implementation.
Chief Minister's Statement on the Judgment
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed the media, stating, "We have not received a copy of the Supreme Court judgment. We need to read it first. We do not wish to comment on the judgment at this stage." She further highlighted concerns regarding the composition of a separate committee suggested by the Supreme Court, noting, "The committee that was suggested includes former Supreme Court judges but there is no representative from Bengal. We also formed a 5-member committee led by the chief secretary, and we will act according to their recommendations."
Supreme Court-Appointed Committee Details
In light of the substantial financial implications, the Supreme Court has established an independent committee to oversee the process. This committee comprises:
- Former Supreme Court judge Indu Malhotra
- Former high court judges Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Goutam Bhaduri
- The Comptroller and Auditor General of India or a senior officer nominated by them
This panel is authorized to determine the total amount payable, establish a payment schedule in consultation with state authorities, and periodically verify the release of funds to ensure compliance with the court's order.
Banerjee's Remarks on Pension for Retired Employees
During her address, Chief Minister Banerjee also touched upon the issue of pensions for retired state government employees. She asserted, "No other state provides pension. What is available in Bengal is not available elsewhere. If I stopped pensions, I would save a lot of money. But what would those who rely on pensions do?" This statement underscores the state's commitment to supporting its retired workforce, despite the financial challenges posed by the DA payment directive.
The formation of the state committee marks a critical step in addressing the Supreme Court's order, balancing legal obligations with fiscal prudence. The outcome of the committee's review will be closely watched by stakeholders, including state employees and financial analysts, as West Bengal navigates this complex issue.
