Durga Puja Gift: West Bengal to Credit October Salary and Enhanced DA on October 15 for State Employees
The West Bengal government announced that state employees will receive their October salaries, pensions, and enhanced dearness allowances in advance on October 15, just ahead of the Durga Puja festivities. The disbursement timing also coincides with the scheduled Rajya Sabha by-election for the seat vacated following the resignation of former Trinamool Congress MP Koel Mallick in July.
State government employees in West Bengal are set to receive their October salaries and pensions early, alongside an enhanced dearness allowance (DA), just ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja festivities. According to a notification issued by the State Finance Department on Wednesday, September 23, the advance payments will be credited directly to beneficiary accounts on October 15, a day prior to Maha Shashthi and the commencement of major Durga Puja celebrations on October 16.
The disbursement timing also coincides with the scheduled Rajya Sabha by-election for the seat vacated following the resignation of former Trinamool Congress MP Koel Mallick in July. West Bengal: Fishermen Rescue Elephant Calf Swept 3 KM Down Teesta River (Videos).
Scope of Advance Disbursals
The special festive measure covers a wide cross-section of state beneficiaries, reports the Finance Department notification. Alongside regular government employees and retired personnel receiving pensions or family pensions, the advance disbursement applies to grant-in-aid sector workers, wage earners, remuneration recipients, honorarium holders, and various contractual employees.
Typically, state salaries are disbursed at the conclusion of the current month or at the start of the subsequent month under standard administrative guidelines. However, the state government has introduced these special relaxations exclusively for October to support employees during the festive season.
Administrative Instructions and Treasury Guidelines
Signed by Additional Chief Secretary to the State Finance Department P.K. Mishra, the official notification outlines specific directives to streamline operations across all state treasuries. Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs), along with deposit account administrators, have been instructed to submit advance bills, advisories, and financial mandates to respective treasuries ahead of schedule. These proactive steps are designed to prevent processing backlogs and ensure seamless credit delivery across all accounts by the stipulated October 15 deadline.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2026 11:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).