Kolkata/IBNS: The state government employees in West Bengal are observing a two-day pen-down or cease work protest from Monday demanding the Dearness Allowance (DA) at par with the Centre, media reports said.

The agitation will also continue on Tuesday.

Several employees, as reports said, came to the state offices but didn't join work despite the government's warning of disciplinary action.

Soon after the protest was announced, the Mamata Banerjee government issued a directive asking the employees to strictly join work on these two days or face service break.

The government has asked the employees not to take leaves on Feb 20 and 21 unless there is any emergency situation.

The protest is called after state finance minister Chandrima Bhattacharya on Feb 15 announced a three percent DA to the employees during the budget announcement.

The employees are visibly not happy with only a three percent hike in DA amid reports that the Centre may increase the allowance from 38 percent to 42 percent of the basic salary.