In a move that has sent shockwaves through the administrative corridors of West Bengal, hundreds of state government employees are set to receive a reduced salary in April. While the workforce has been eagerly demanding an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA), this latest update from the state secretariat, Nabanna, has left them deeply frustrated and disappointed.

The decision to deduct salaries stems from the strict implementation of the “No Work, No Pay” policy. According to top officials at Nabanna, a comprehensive review of biometric attendance and departmental logs revealed that a significant number of employees remained absent without authorization during recent protest calls and strikes. The administration has taken a firm stand, stating that any violation of service rules regarding attendance will lead to immediate financial consequences.

DDOs (Drawing and Disbursing Officers) across various departments have already been instructed to calculate the unauthorized leave periods of the identified employees and adjust the deductions in the upcoming April payroll. While pro-government unions have remained silent, opposition-backed employee forums have termed this move as “administrative bullying” to suppress their demand for parity in DA. As April approaches, this crackdown is likely to further escalate the ongoing tug-of-war between the state government and its disgruntled employees.