Government employees in Punjab have extended their pen-down strike until 11 September, stepping up pressure on the state government to resolve their long-pending demands.
The main issue is unpaid dearness allowance (DA) dues and arrears. Employees recruited before 17 July, 2020, say several DA instalments and other allowances are still pending. They want the government to clear these dues rather than merely announce fresh increases for newer employees.
The employees are also demanding the withdrawal of show-cause notices and disciplinary action against those who took part in the state-wide agitation on August 27. Unions have objected to the government treating the mass casual leave taken during that protest as unauthorised absence. They say withdrawing these notices is necessary before meaningful talks with the government can begin.
The 27 August strike reportedly involved more than three lakh government employees. Talks between employee representatives and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann did not take place that day because the government wanted the strike to be called off before negotiations.
The latest strike has affected work in government offices across Punjab, including the Civil and Mini Secretariats in Chandigarh and district administrative offices. Essential services such as buses, schools and healthcare have continued to function.
The government has now taken a tougher position, ordering that employees who remain absent will face “no work, no pay”, meaning their salaries will be deducted for the strike period. It has also warned against disruption of public services.
The government says the DA arrears issue is currently before the Supreme Court and has cited its financial position. It has challenged a Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing it to pay around Rs 14,191 crore in DA and dearness relief arrears.
Employees, however, say repeated assurances have not led to concrete action. They have warned of further protests, including plans to gherao state ministers from 12 September if their demands remain unresolved.