Punjab News:Employee Strike Illegal As DA Matter Is Sub-Judice, Govt Will Take Action As Per Law If Public Faces Inconvenience: Aman Arora
We Appeal To Employees Not To Become Political Tools, Govt Committed To Their Welfare & Convenience Of 3 Crore Punjabis: Aman Arora
Govt Has Already Addressed 60% DA Demand Of 85,000 Employees, Willing To Ensure Salary Parity With Centre For Others: Aman Arora
Punjab Spends 51% Of Revenue On Salaries & Pensions, Highest Among Major States; Govt Must Also Protect Public Services: Aman Arora
Punjab Govt Stands With Employees, Committed To Resolving Genuine Concerns Through Dialogue: Aman Arora
Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora today said that the proposed employee strike is illegal as the DA matter is already sub-judice before the Supreme Court, asserting that the Punjab Government has already addressed the demand of around 85,000 employees by deciding to raise their DA to 60% and has offered salary parity with comparable Central Government employees for others.
The Minister appealed to employees not to become political tools and said that while the Bhagwant Mann Government stands firmly with its employees and remains committed to resolving their genuine concerns through dialogue, it also has an equal responsibility towards the three crore Punjabis and cannot allow disruption of essential public services. He affirmed that any inconvenience caused to the public would compel the government to take requisite action in accordance with law.
In a statement, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government is the well-wisher of Punjab’s employees. Our employees are the backbone of good governance, and their rights, dignity and welfare remain a priority for us. We have already taken concrete steps to address their concerns and remain willing to engage with them to resolve the outstanding issues.”
The Minister appealed to employee organisations to continue engaging with the government and not allow political interests to come in the way of a constructive resolution. “I appeal to our employees not to become a political tool. We are on the same side. The government is committed to their welfare and is ready to listen to their concerns. However, when the matter is already sub-judice, going on an illegal strike cannot be the way forward. At the same time, wherever public services are disrupted and the people of Punjab face undue hardship, the government will have to take appropriate action in accordance with law,” he said.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to finding a balanced and fair solution. “Punjab’s employees and the people of Punjab are not two sides. Both are integral to the progress of our State. Our approach will continue to be one of dialogue, respect and responsibility. We appeal to employees to raise their concerns through the appropriate channels and not resort to an illegal strike, while ensuring that employee interests are protected without compromising Punjab’s financial stability and the rights of the people to uninterrupted public services,” Minister Aman Arora said.
The Cabinet Minister said that the government has already addressed the DA demand of around 85,000 employees recruited after July 17, 2020 by deciding to increase their DA from 42% to 60%. “For these 85,000 employees, the demand has already been met. For the remaining employees also, our position has been clear: the government is willing to ensure parity with comparable Central Government employees in terms of actual salary, within the applicable legal and financial framework,” he said.
Minister Aman Arora said the broader issue of DA and arrears is also before the Supreme Court and the State Government will abide by the decision of the apex court. “Where a matter is pending before the Supreme Court, the final word will be that of the Court. The government has placed its complete position before the Court and has made its commitment to employee salary parity clear,” he said.
Highlighting the State’s financial position, Minister Aman Arora said Punjab already carries one of the country’s highest employee-related financial burdens. “Punjab spends approximately 51% of its revenue receipts on salaries and pensions, against an all-India average of around 38%. This is the highest proportion among major states. At the same time, committed liabilities, including interest, account for approximately 82% of our revenue receipts,” he said.
The Cabinet Minister also said the government has not denied the admitted arrears of employees and pensioners. “The State has already formulated a structured mechanism for clearing the admitted arrears. Our objective is to ensure that every legitimate due is paid, while taking into account Punjab’s financial capacity and the constitutional process governing expenditure from the Consolidated Fund,” he said.
