The Punjab government on Friday announced an 8% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and pensioners, providing relief to around eight lakh beneficiaries ahead of the festive season. The increase will take the DA rate to 50% and will be released in two instalments of 4% each. The enhanced amount will be reflected in the September salary, which is scheduled to be paid on October 1.
The decision was announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann after a meeting with representatives of employee and pensioner organisations in Chandigarh. The move comes after weeks of agitation by government employees over pending DA instalments, arrears and other service-related demands.
Monthly Meetings With Employee Representatives
Mann
said the government would hold compulsory meetings with employee representatives every month to ensure that genuine grievances are addressed through regular dialogue. A follow-up meeting with employee representatives is also scheduled for the first week of October to discuss long-pending issues.
Among the concerns discussed were the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), salary-related issues during the probation period, Assured Career Progression (ACP), restoration of certain allowances and demands concerning ASHA and Mid-Day Meal workers.
The government said these demands would be examined in accordance with applicable rules, financial implications and the legal position.
Women Employees To Get Postings Within 40 Km
The Chief Minister also announced that steps would be taken to ensure women government employees are posted within a radius of 40 kilometres of their homes.
Mann said the measure was aimed at helping women employees manage their professional responsibilities alongside family commitments.
Mann Highlights 70,000 Government Jobs
Mann also highlighted the state government’s employment record, saying around 70,000 government jobs had been provided through what he described as a transparent and corruption-free recruitment process.
He said the government wanted young people to secure employment on the basis of merit and hard work, without having to rely on recommendations, influence or financial considerations.
DA Hike Follows Employee-Government Standoff
The DA announcement follows a prolonged standoff between the Punjab government and employee and pensioner organisations over pending payments and other demands. The government had faced pressure to release pending DA instalments and address concerns raised by employee bodies.
With Friday’s decision, the government has agreed to release the additional 8% DA in two 4% instalments. The move is expected to provide additional financial support to employees, pensioners and their families during the festive season.
Mann said employees were an important part of the state’s administrative machinery and that their concerns would continue to be addressed through dialogue while keeping the state’s financial position in mind.
