Chandigarh: Punjab government employees and pensioners have announced a statewide complete strike on August 27 to press for their long-pending demands. Employee organisations said government work is expected to remain affected across the state during the strike.
Work at tehsil offices, deputy commissioner offices and other departmental offices is likely to be impacted. Operations at Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 and Secretariat-2 could also be affected.
Pending DA payments remain key demand
One of the employees’ main demands is the release of pending instalments of Dearness Allowance (DA). Employee organisations have pointed out that the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the Punjab government to release the outstanding DA/DR instalments due to employees and pensioners.
According to the organisations, 18% of DA has been pending since January 2023. They said the failure to release the dues despite the court’s directions has increased resentment among employees.
During a major rally in Chandigarh, employees also demanded the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and regularisation of contractual employees.
The unions have now intensified their agitation and called for the August 27 strike across Punjab.
