CHANDIGARH, Sep 19: BJP MP Tarun Chugh on Saturday criticised the Punjab government over its decision to raise the dearness allowance (DA) for government employees and pensioners by 8 per cent, saying the increase falls short of the 18 per cent hike sought by employees.
The Punjab government announced the DA revision on Friday, raising the allowance from 42 per cent to 50 per cent. The decision came after a prolonged standoff with state employees, who had been pressing for the release of pending DA and other financial dues.
The dispute intensified on August 27, when more than three lakh government employees reportedly went on a statewide strike by taking mass casual leave. The employees had sought action on several demands, including payment of the pending 18 per cent DA.
Chugh said employees and pensioners were seeking an 18 percentage point increase, while the government had approved only an 8 per cent hike. He questioned the government’s decision to present the move as a major achievement while outstanding arrears remain unpaid.
In a statement, the BJP MP said payment of salaries, allowances and other legitimate dues is a responsibility of the government. He argued that the concerns of employees and pensioners should be addressed through comprehensive discussions rather than through what he described as a limited settlement.
Chugh also criticised the government’s engagement with employee organisations, alleging that it was not maintaining adequate institutional dialogue with established groups representing government workers.
He further called for the timely settlement of pending DA, arrears and other financial liabilities owed to employees and pensioners.
The BJP leader said the issue should be resolved by addressing the outstanding financial claims of government employees and pensioners rather than focusing only on the latest DA revision.