DA revision, RG Kar panel on cabinet agenda today

Kolkata: The implementation of the seventh pay commission, dearness allowance (DA) revisions, the formation of a judicial commission to probe the RG Kar rape-murder case, doubling payouts of multiple state-run welfare schemes, and free bus rides for women from June 1 are on the agenda for Monday, when chief minister Suvendu Adhikari chairs his second cabinet meeting.State govt employees have long been demanding DA parity with central govt staff, a matter that remains pending before the Supreme Court. But the recent change in regime has fuelled expectations that the new administration may move toward narrowing the existing 42% DA gap between central and state workers.The govt is also expected to consider setting up the seventh Pay Commission, a move that could pave the way for revised salaries for lakhs of employees and pensioners.However, the state faces a massive financial burden following the SC's Feb 5, 2026, judgment, which directed Bengal to clear DA arrears pending since 2008. Preliminary estimates by the finance department suggest nearly Rs 40,000 crore will be required, with the first tranche of around Rs 10,000 crore due by March 31.Additionally, the state plans to double benefits for pensions for seniors, widows, and the disabled. According to reports, beneficiaries will begin receiving the increased allowance in early June. Currently, beneficiaries get Rs 1,000 per month, which will be increased to Rs 2,000.Sources indicate that the cabinet is likely to discuss the formation of a judicial commission to probe the RG Kar rape-murder case, and specifically examine the role of several officials. The state has already suspended three police officers — former Kolkata Police commissioner Vineet Goyal, former deputy commissioner (Central) Indira Mukherjee, and former deputy commissioner (North) Avishek Gupta — for alleged dereliction of duty. Sources added that the role of certain health department officials might also come under scanner of the proposed commission.Sources further hinted the govt may announce a judicial commission led by a retired high court judge to inquire into the alleged irregularities and administrative lapses linked to the RG Kar episode. The proposed commission is expected to examine institutional accountability and submit its recommendations within a fixed time frame.Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee, former Chief Justice of Bombay High Court, said the state can legally institute a judicial commission even while the matter is pending in court.Sources at the state secretariat pointed out that the govt has already taken 59 major decisions within just nine days of assuming office. The Bengal BJP on Sunday stated that the administration has started working on 20 poll promises. According to sources, nearly 13 of these decisions were aimed at establishing the rule of law in the state, including arrests in corruption cases and a crackdown on cattle smuggling. Significant decisions have also been made regarding welfare schemes and creating employment opportunities for the youth.