Since 8 November 2023, members of the Punjab State Ministerial Service Union (PSMSU) have been on strike, demanding the implementation of the old pension scheme (OPS), the release of three pending dearness allowances, and the regularisation of contractual employees. This strike, where 50 departments are participating, including the treasury, was prolonged until 6 December 2023.
According to Jagdish Thakur, general secretary, PSMSU Amritsar, the strike has halted pay bill submissions to the treasury, delaying salary disbursements for employees.
Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, police commissioner, Amritsar, expressed concern about possible salary delays due to the ongoing ministerial staff strike until 6 December 2023. He urged police officers to ensure their bank accounts are maintained to prevent loan payment delays.
District authorities reported a delay in November salaries for judicial officials. The 25-day strike is causing public inconvenience and impacting routine work. Deputy commissioners are engaging with protesting employees to address urgent matters.
Kuldeep Sharma, president, Bathinda District Ministerial Services Union, acknowledged the challenges faced by government employees. Sharma highlighted concerns about salary delays affecting employees’ ability to meet financial obligations, including loans and rent.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to addressing the needs of new government hires receiving low monthly salaries.
A meeting with the finance minister on 5 December 2023, will determine the union’s action on 6 December 2023. Lakhvir Grewal, district treasury officer, Ludhiana, stated that government employees’ salaries will be released once the strike ends.
