The West Bengal ruling party, Trinamool Congress (TMC), has maintained a defiant stance following the Supreme Court’s landmark directive to clear 25% of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears. While opposition and employee unions hail the verdict as a defeat for the state government, TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty argued that the court has actually acknowledged the financial strain caused by the Central Government’s alleged deprivation of funds.

Speaking to the media, Chakraborty stated, “We thank the Supreme Court for recognizing that it is impossible for the state to clear 100% of the arrears when the Center is withholding ₹52,000 crore meant for the 100-day work scheme (MGNREGA). The court has struck a balance by ordering a 25% payout instead of the full amount, keeping the state’s financial reality in mind.” He emphasized that the state remains sympathetic toward its employees but is hindered by the Center’s “step-motherly treatment.”

Meanwhile, after 1,106 days of continuous protest, the faces of state government employees are lit with smiles. Advocate Firdous Shamim called the verdict “historic,” noting that the court has set a strict deadline of March 31 for the disbursement of the initial 25%. A high-level committee, headed by retired Justice Indu Malhotra, has been appointed to oversee the process and submit a report by May 15. Although the Supreme Court has not yet declared DA a “Fundamental Right,” the mandate to pay arrears has provided a massive boost to the morale of the protesting staff.