Members of employee unions staged a protest at the DC Complex in Kapurthala on Thursday, 5 March, 2026, raising concerns over several government notifications that they believe negatively impact service conditions and employee rights. The demonstration saw participation from staff across multiple government departments.
The protest was organised under the leadership of Sangat Ram Bagi, district president, CPF Employees Union, Kapurthala. Employees gathered in large numbers at the complex and raised slogans against policies that they claimed were detrimental to the interests of government staff.
The demonstration was jointly organised by the Punjab State Ministerial Service Union (PSMSU) and the CPF Employees Union (CPFEU). Union representatives voiced strong opposition to multiple policy decisions, including the New Pension Scheme introduced in 2004. They also objected to the rule introduced in 2015 requiring employees to complete three years on basic pay, as well as the Central Pay Commission notification issued on 17 July, 2020, which concerns newly-recruited employees.
Union leaders also criticised the Teachers Eligibility Test notification, arguing that such requirements add additional pressure on employees and create uncertainty around career progression and service benefits.
During the gathering, union representatives stated that the policies could weaken job security and affect the long-term financial stability of government employees. They urged the state government to review the disputed notifications and engage in dialogue with employee representatives before introducing further policy changes.
After the protest at the DC Complex, participants marched towards Kapurthala–Kartarpur Road near village Daburji. As a symbolic act of dissent, copies of the contested notifications were burnt during the demonstration.
The demonstration ended peacefully, and authorities reported that law and order remained normal throughout the event.
