Sources in the trade unions said that at least seven jute mills -- Nufferchand, Bharat, New Central, Dalhousie, Delta, Ludlow and Fort Gloster -- are paying DA at higher rates.

However, an indefinite strike has already started in 10 mills. They are Alliance, Auckland, Bowreah, Reliance, Hooghly, Kamarhatty, Anglo India, Jagatdal, Soorah and Calcutta jute mills.

Last November, Ijma had officially stated that going by the present status of the industry it was not possible for the mill owners to pay DA at the higher rate.

The association, which was once a leading industry body of eastern India, has lost much of its significance now. At present, out of the 59 mills in the state, only about 30 are members of the body. Five mills are lying closed.

Ijmachairman Sanjay Kajaria appeared to be helpless at this development. He told The Financial Express that the decision to freeze DA was not of the association only but of the whole industry.

"What can Ijma do about it? It was not my individual decision or Ijma's. The decision was taken by the whole industry and if anybody defies it, we have nothing to do," Kajaria said.

When inquired about the likely development of the present situation, the Ijma chairman said philosophically: "It is just the beginning of the end."

Trade union sources added that apart from the seven mills already mentioned, there are more willing to pay DA at the higher rate.

"The jute mill owners are totally divided. More mills are likely to pay the increased dearness allowance, like Ganges, Wellington, Angus, North Shyamnugger, Hanuman and Tirupati. This proves that the increased DA is a legitimate right of the workers and the mill owners do not deny it," the sources said.

However, the Wadhas of Nufferchand jute mill, whohave already paid the increased DA, have stated that it is subject to a final industry-wide settlement.

All the trade unions have protested this stand. The general secretary of the Federation of Chatkal Mazdoor Union (affiliated to Aituc), Debasish Dutta, said there would not be any compromise on this issue.

"An increased dearness allowance is not a demand but only a legitimate right. The mill owners are bound to pay. There will not be compromise on this issue. We protest the stand of the Nufferchand jute mill," Dutta said.