SAYS GROWING FRUSTRATION AMONG EMPLOYEES WILL NEGATIVELY IMPACT PUNJAB’S DEVELOPMENT, GOVT SHOULD ABANDON ITS CONFRONTATIONAL APPROACH AND IMMEDIATELY ACCEPT EMPLOYEES’ LEGITIMATE DEMANDS: SIDHU
Face2News/Mohali
Senior Congress leader and former Punjab Health Minister Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu strongly criticized the anti-employee policies adopted by the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab over the past four years. He stated that the government’s unjust policies have created deep resentment among employees, which will adversely affect the state’s development and administrative efficiency.
Mr. Sidhu said it is extremely unfortunate that state employees and pensioners have been forced to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court for their legitimate demands, including pending dues under the Sixth Pay Commission, unpaid installments of Dearness Allowance, and reimbursement of medical bills. He alleged that instead of implementing the court’s directions, the government is filing review petitions and deliberately adopting a confrontational approach towards employees.
The Congress leader further stated that during the Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party had promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme for employees. However, after coming to power, the government neither implemented the scheme nor released the pending installments of Dearness Allowance. He pointed out that employees and pensioners in Punjab are currently receiving nearly 18 percent less Dearness Allowance compared to employees of the Central Government and Haryana. Moreover, arrears arising from the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations have also not been released so far.
Mr. Sidhu said that despite the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the government to release pending Dearness Allowance installments and Sixth Pay Commission arrears along with 6 percent interest, the government filed irrational petitions through the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). He further alleged that Markfed took an inhumane decision by denying medical allowance and reimbursement of treatment expenses to retired employees, forcing them to seek legal intervention.
While interacting with journalists, Mr. Sidhu said that employees play a vital role in the administrative structure of any government. He stated, “Punjab’s employees are the backbone of the state. Whether it is the Health Department, Education Department, or any other administrative unit, the state functions because of the tireless efforts of these employees. However, the Aam Aadmi Party government is forcing them onto the streets by denying them their rightful dues on time, which is severely affecting employee morale.”
He further said that it is highly irresponsible and insensitive for the Bhagwant Mann government, which repeatedly claims that the state treasury is full, to cite a financial crisis as an excuse to suppress employees’ rights. He alleged that corruption, wasteful expenditure, and flawed financial policies under the Aam Aadmi Party government are responsible for Punjab’s financial crisis, not the employees.
Mr. Sidhu added that it is deeply painful that nearly 35,000 employees and pensioners passed away while waiting for their rightful dues, which stands as a grim reminder of the government’s failure.
He said that the Congress Party, and he personally, have always stood with employees and will continue to support them in every legitimate struggle in the future as well.
Former Chairman of Market Committee Kharar and senior Congress leader Mr. Harkesh Chand Sharma Machhli Kalan was also present on the occasion.
