Sources within Nabanna have clarified that, for the time being, only those who retired from service within a specific timeframe are receiving these DA arrears. Specifically, the deposit of these outstanding funds has commenced solely in the accounts of government employees who retired between April 1, 2008, and December 31, 2015. Consequently, a vast number of former government employees who retired either before or after this specific timeframe currently remain outside the scope of this financial benefit. Meanwhile, even though the disbursement of DA arrears has begun, it has given rise to fresh ambiguity and confusion within employee organizations. Their primary grievance is that Nabanna has not yet issued any clear or official notification regarding the exact percentage rate or formula being utilized to settle these DA arrears. As a result, deep uncertainty prevails regarding the precise basis upon which these arrears are being calculated. Significantly, even those employee organizations that have been waging a prolonged legal battle demanding the payment of DA arrears were not officially informed in advance about the details or methodology of this disbursement. Consequently, despite the funds being credited to their accounts, the agitators are not hesitating to raise questions regarding the overall transparency of the process.
Against this backdrop, the attention of the state's current government employees is now fixed on the high-profile meeting scheduled for June 1st. A crucial meeting is scheduled to take place on that day between the State Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, and various joint action committees representing government employees. It is anticipated that major decisions may be reached on that occasion regarding when serving employees will begin receiving their arrears of Dearness Allowance (DA), or whether any new announcements will be made in this regard.
Meanwhile, the primary lawsuit concerning the Dearness Allowance remains pending before the country's apex court, the Supreme Court. However, the wait for a final resolution to this legal battle is set to be prolonged somewhat for the time being. This is because Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya—counsel for one of the key petitioners in the case—has requested additional time from the Supreme Court. Consequently, while a section of retired employees has already begun receiving their arrears, complete uncertainty persists regarding the future entitlements of serving government employees and the ultimate outcome of the DA case.