Chandigarh, April 8
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa today welcomed the relief granted by the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the Punjab government to release five pending installments of Dearness Allowance (DA) to employees and pensioners, terming it a “long overdue step towards justice after repeated betrayal of employees by the AAP government.”
Bajwa said that the court’s clear direction mandates payment of arrears by 30 June 2026, bringing much-needed relief to lakhs of employees and pensioners. “This is a clear vindication of their struggle and a reminder that despite being repeatedly betrayed, employees did not give up their fight for justice,” he said.
Bajwa further stated that the AAP government has consistently failed to honour its commitments. “From delaying DA to backtracking on the Old Pension Scheme despite issuing notifications, this government has repeatedly betrayed the trust of employees,” Bajwa added.
However, Bajwa expressed serious concern that the Bhagwant Mann-led government may still attempt to delay implementation by exploring legal options, including approaching a Division Bench or the Supreme Court through a Special Leave Petition (SLP). “There is a well-founded apprehension that instead of implementing the High Court’s order sincerely, the government may once again resort to delay tactics and legal evasion,” he cautioned.
Taking strong exception to the state government’s latest move, Bajwa criticized the reconstitution of a Cabinet sub-committee under Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, along with Aman Arora and Dr Baljit Kaur, to “review” the issue. “A fresh gazette but the same old evasion. Employees and pensioners have already been forced to knock the doors of the court, and now their legitimate claims are being buried under committees and paperwork in the name of financial constraints,” he said.
Bajwa asserted that such actions expose the government’s intent. “This is not governance; this is postponement dressed up as policy, and a continuation of betrayal,” he added.
Reaffirming his party’s stand, Bajwa said that the Punjab Congress stands firmly with employees and pensioners and will ensure their rights are protected. “Justice delayed has already tested their patience. Justice denied will not be tolerated,” he added.
