The West Bengal Government has announced an increase in the ‘one-time benefit’ for the contractual employees of the school education department upon retirement.
Retirement Benefit Increase
The state finance department issued an order mentioning that retirement benefits for the contractual staff — higher secondary teachers and para-teachers — will now increase up to five lakh.
Previous Increase in Retirement Benefits
In March of the same year, the State Government had increased the retirement benefit of some sections of contractual employees, including civic volunteers, village police, and others.
Official Finance Department Order
The Finance Department order mentioned a significant enhancement of terminal benefit for various contractual positions upon reaching the age of 60/65 years. The order detailed the increase from Rs.2.00 lakh/3.00 lakh to Rs.5.00 lakh and specified the inclusive list of positions.
Implementation and Approval
The order stated that the amount of one-time terminal benefit for contractual personnel pertaining to the School Education Department will be enhanced to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 2 lakh/3 lakh on the existing terms and conditions. The Principal Accountant General (A&E), West Bengal, and all other concerned parties have been duly informed.
Impact on Contractual Staff
Sources in the School Education Department estimate that nearly 3.5 lakh contractual staff members will benefit from this move.
Social Media Announcement
State Education Minister Bratya Basu took to his social media account to share the news, expressing that the retirement benefit has increased to five lakh rupees for all contractual education staff of the School Education Department, including Academic Supervisors, Contractual Higher Secondary Teachers, SSK, and MSK teaching staff.