Kolkata: A purported government order claiming a 22% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for West Bengal government employees from July 1 went viral on social media on Tuesday, triggering widespread speculation and excitement among employees.

However, the State Government has clarified that the document is fake. The viral order, which carried the name and purported signature of Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Agarwal, claimed that the state government had approved a 22% DA hike.

The document quickly gained traction online as government employees eagerly awaited a decision on the long-pending demand for higher DA.

Amid the growing buzz, the Chief Secretary's office issued an official clarification, stating that the order circulating on social media was fraudulent and should not be treated as authentic.

In the clarification, Manoj Kumar Agarwal advised employees and the public not to believe any such document carrying his name and signature.

He also pointed out that the authority to announce a DA revision does not rest with the Chief Secretary.

Taking a swipe at those behind the fake order, Agarwal remarked that he appreciated their ‘creativity’ in producing the document.

At the same time, he cautioned people against spreading misinformation regarding a matter that affects lakhs of government employees.

Significantly, while dismissing the viral order as fake, the Chief Secretary did not pour cold water on expectations of a DA-related announcement.

The official clarification urged employees to remain patient until June 22, when the State Budget is scheduled to be presented.

The statement has fuelled fresh speculation over a possible DA announcement in the Budget. Expectations among employees have been running high, particularly after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari recently hinted that government staff could receive ‘good news on June 22.

With the fake order now debunked, attention has shifted firmly to the Budget announcement, which is expected to provide clarity on the state's position regarding Dearness Allowance and whether any relief will be offered to government employees.