Punjab Government Employees Protest in Chandigarh Over Old Pension Scheme and Pending DA
Scores of Punjab State government employees and pensioners staged a demonstration in Chandigarh against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, demanding the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA), and the regularisation of contractual staff.
What Happened
Employees gathered in Chandigarh under the banners of the Punjab Mulazam and Pensioners Front and the Sanjha Mulazam Manch Punjab. As demonstrators attempted to march towards the Punjab State Assembly during its ongoing Monsoon Session, Chandigarh Police intervened and used water cannons to disperse the crowd.
According to representative Sukhchain Singh Khaira, diverse groups of employees—including teachers, engineers, medical professionals, ministerial staff, technical personnel, and Class 4 workers—participated in the agitation. Khaira stated that the state administration has repeatedly provided assurances without taking concrete steps to fulfil their demands.
Key Highlights
- Primary Demands: Restoration of the OPS promised ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, payment of 18% pending Dearness Allowance, and regularisation of contractual personnel.
- Police Intervention: Water cannons were deployed by Chandigarh Police to halt protesters marching toward the State Assembly.
- Strike Warning: Protesters announced plans to observe a complete strike on August 27 if their demands remain unaddressed.
- Opposition Reactions: Leaders from major opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticised the state government and backed the employees’ grievances.
Why This Matters
The unrest reflects growing dissatisfaction among government workforce sectors over unfulfilled electoral commitments made prior to the 2022 elections. With political opposition intensifying ahead of future electoral cycles, employee welfare issues such as pension security and statutory allowances have returned to the centre of Punjab’s political discourse.
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa of the Congress described the protest as a legitimate struggle for overdue dues and pledged his party’s support. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal alleged that the administration was mistreating its staff, while BJP leader Sunil Jakhar raised concerns over the delay in releasing legally entitled DA payments.
What to Watch Next
Employee unions have stated that they will monitor government action leading up to August 27, when a statewide complete strike is scheduled to take place if an agreement is not reached.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the protesting employees?
The employees are calling for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the disbursement of 18% pending Dearness Allowance (DA), and the regularisation of contractual staff across state departments.
Which organisations led the demonstration?
The protest was held under the joint banner of the Punjab Mulazam and Pensioners Front and the Sanjha Mulazam Manch Punjab.
What further action have the employee unions announced?
Union leadership announced that a complete strike will be observed on August 27 if the state government does not fulfil their demands.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.