Punjab Maha Hartal: Secretariat Sees Employee Protest Over Demands
Chandigarh: Protests were witnessed at the Punjab Civil Secretariat on Thursday as government employees and pensioners intensified their agitation over pending dearness allowance (DA) dues, the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and other demands.
The protests came after a proposed meeting between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and representatives of employee unions in Jalandhar was cancelled. Employee representatives said they were seeking discussions with the government to resolve their long-pending issues.
Employees Warn of Further Agitation
Representatives of the Punjab Civil Secretariat employees, Manjeet Singh and Alka Chopra, said union representatives had been scheduled to meet Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at PAP Jalandhar.
The employee unions have indicated that they could consider an indefinite strike if the government does not initiate talks and address their grievances.
In a post on X, Mann said protesting employees were part of the government’s family and that the government was duty-bound to address their issues. However, he maintained that talks could take place only after the employees ended their protest.
DA Arrears, OPS Among Key Demands
More than four lakh government employees and lakhs of pensioners are participating in the ‘Maha Hartal’ to press for the release of pending DA dues.
The employee organisations have also raised the demand for implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Other issues raised by the unions include the regularisation of contractual employees.
Government Services Hit Across Punjab
The agitation has affected the functioning of several government institutions across the state. Government offices, schools, colleges, universities and routine services at government healthcare facilities have been affected, while emergency medical services have continued.
Employees across different departments have proceeded on mass casual leave as part of the protest.
Government school teachers and other employees also held demonstrations in different parts of Punjab, raising their pending demands before the state government.
Talks Remain Key to Resolving Standoff
The latest developments have brought the focus back on dialogue between the Punjab government and employee organisations. While the unions are pressing for their demands, the government has maintained that discussions should follow the withdrawal of the ongoing protest.
Employee representatives have warned of intensifying the agitation if a resolution is not reached. The next round of talks, if scheduled, is likely to be crucial in determining whether the ongoing protest continues or a way forward is found.
