Punjab: 3 Lakh Govt Employees on Two-Day Mass Leave Over DA, Pensionਪੰਜਾਬ: 3 ਲੱਖ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ ਮੁਲਾਜ਼ਮ ਡੀਏ, ਪੈਨਸ਼ਨ ਲਈ ਦੋ ਦਿਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਸਮੂਹਿਕ ਛੁੱਟੀ 'ਤੇ

Nearly 3 lakh Punjab government employees, including schoolteachers, power utility staff and mid-day meal workers, began a two-day mass casual leave on Wednesday, October 21, over pending dearness allowance, the old pension scheme and regularisation of contract staff, according to The Tribune, The Times of India and Hindustan Times.

What the employees are demanding

The Joint Action Committee says the main demands are release of 18 per cent pending DA, restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS) and regularisation of contractual and outsourced staff, Punjabi Tribune reported. Hindustan Times quoted teachers as saying the state pays 42 per cent DA against 60 per cent given by the Centre. Teachers also cite delays in mid-day meal funds and school games funds.

Who is joining

The Times of India reported that teachers, Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) staff, mid-day meal workers and personnel of other departments are part of the action, which runs on October 21 and 22. Protests are planned in front of the Punjab Civil Secretariat and DC offices, per Punjabi Tribune. Offices and services such as registrations may be hit.

Government response

Hindustan Times reported that PSPCL management directed officials to ensure staff do not join the mass leave and to act against those absent, but the employees' federation said the agitation would go ahead. Separately, Punjab Dastak reported that the Chief Secretary invited the Mulazam te Pensioner Sanjha Front and Sanjha Mulazam Manch leaders to a meeting at the Secretariat at 12:30 pm on October 21, which left some confusion over whether the strike would continue. We have not seen an outcome of that meeting.

A second phase of the struggle

Punjabi Tribune described this as the second phase of the employees' agitation, despite assurances from the Chief Minister. Employees also took mass casual leave in late August and the government later moved against absence, ETV Bharat reported. Government bus staff are on a separate strike from the same day.

How many employees are on mass leave in Punjab?

Nearly 3 lakh, according to Aaj Tak and other reports of the unions' claim; the government has not given its own figure in the reports we opened.

Will government offices be open on Oct 21 and 22?

Many may be badly hit, as clerical, teaching and power staff are taking leave; check with your office before going.

What is the DA demand?

Employees want about 18 per cent pending dearness allowance released; teachers say Punjab pays 42 per cent against 60 per cent at the Centre.