Issuing an order on Wednesday, the state finance department mentioned that retirement benefits for the contractual staff — higher secondary teachers and para-teachers — will now increase up to five lakh.
Earlier, in March this year, the State Government had increased the retirement benefit of some sections of contractual employees, including civic volunteers, village police and others.
“Finance department has issued order vide No.1219-F(H)/FA/N/2M/18/24(NB) dated 07.03.2024 for enhancement of terminal benefit from Rs.2.00 lakh/3.00 lakh to Rs.5.00 lakh in respect of contractual higher secondary teacher, para teachers, SK and MSK teachers, academic supervisors, ASHA workers, honorary health workers, Anganwari workers, Anganwari helpers, civic volunteers, village police volunteers, home guard volunteers, auxiliary fire operators etc. (list is not exhaustive) on attaining the age of 60/65 years,” the Finance Department order said.
It, further mentioned, “Now, after careful consideration of the matter, the undersigned is directed to say that the Governor has been pleased to decide that with effect from 01.04.2024, the amount of one time terminal benefit for the aforesaid Contractual persons pertaining to School Education Department on any Directorate/Society/Parastatals thereunder on attaining the age of 60/65 years as the case
may be, 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 are being informed accordingly. This has the approval of the Competent Authority of the Department.”
Sources in the School Education Department said that the move will benefit nearly 3.5 lakh contractual staff members.
Sharing the news on his social media account on X, State Education Minister Bratya Basu wrote, “Good news for all contractual education staff of the School Education Department. On the initiative of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, from April 1, their retirement benefit increased to five lakh rupees. Academic Supervisor, Contractual Higher Secondary Teachers, SSK and MSK teaching staff will also get this benefit. Jay Ma, Mati, Manush.”