Section of Bengal govt employees on ‘cease-work’ over dearness allowance dues

A Sangrami Joutha Mancha (Joint Movement Forum) organized a day-long 'ceasework' protest outside the headquarters of the West Bengal Food and Civil Supplies Department on Friday, March 13, 2026, demanding payment of dearness allowance arrears and implementation of a Supreme Court directive. The protesters claimed most state government employees abstained from work, while the Trinamool Congress-affiliated State government employees’ union disputed this, stating attendance remained high. The West Bengal Finance Department issued a memorandum mandating full attendance at all state offices, warning against unauthorized absence and emphasizing exemptions for certain leave categories.