Ahead of the high-stakes 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections, a major administrative shift is brewing in the corridors of Nabanna. Sources reveal that a proposal to increase the retirement age of government school teachers from 60 to 65 years has been sent to CM Mamata Banerjee. This strategic move is seen as an attempt to bridge the gap of experienced educators in state schools while securing a crucial vote bank.

The proposal comes on the heels of Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya’s announcement regarding the formation of the 7th Pay Commission, set to be effective from January 1, 2026. Additionally, a 4% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) has been declared, effective from April 1, 2026. Increasing the superannuation age would allow the cash-strapped state government to temporarily defer the massive financial outflow required for pension settlements while retaining senior faculty.

The teacher community is divided on the issue. While many veterans welcome the extended service for financial stability, young job aspirants fear it might stall fresh recruitments. Employee unions have labeled such populist measures as a diversion from the long-pending demand for full DA parity with central rates. The final decision now rests with the Chief Minister, and an official gazette notification is awaited to confirm this potential administrative overhaul.