Punjab Strike on August 27: What Will Remain Open and Closed?
Chandigarh: More than 3 lakh Punjab government employees and over 4 lakh pensioners are set to observe a one-day strike on August 27 over their various pending demands. The strike, being held under the banner of the Sanjha Mulazam Manch Punjab and UT, is expected to affect the functioning of several government departments across the state.
The employees’ organisation has clarified that the protest is not a Punjab bandh. There will be no road blockades, and the movement of the general public will not be restricted.
Government Offices Likely to Be Affected
Government employees will observe mass casual leave on August 27 and refrain from regular duties. As a result, work at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, government offices, patwar khanas and other departments is expected to be affected.
The organisation has advised people to avoid visiting government offices for routine work on the day of the strike, as employees are expected to remain absent.
Schools and Hospitals
According to the employees’ organisations, government schools and hospitals are also likely to be affected by the strike. Outpatient department (OPD) services at government hospitals may be impacted due to the participation of employees.
However, the information available does not specify the status of emergency medical services.
Markets, Shops and Private Institutions to Remain Open
Sukhchain Singh Khaira, head of the employees’ organisation, said there would be no road blockades or restrictions on public movement during the strike.
According to him, markets, shops and private institutions will function normally. The strike is aimed at government employees and their official duties and is not intended to shut down the state.
SIR Duty and Treasury Offices May Also Be Affected
The organisation has formally informed the Election Commission that employees deployed on SIR duty will also observe mass casual leave on August 27.
Khaira has also advised departments not to send bills to treasury offices on August 27 or a day earlier, as treasury employees are also expected to participate in the strike.
Employees to Hold Protest Over Pending Demands
Sunil Kumar, chief adviser of the Punjab State Ministerial Services Union, said government office work would remain disrupted during the strike. He alleged that employees’ demands had remained pending for a long time.
The employee organisations have said the one-day strike is aimed at drawing attention to their pending demands.
