Mohali, May 21
Senior Congress leader and former Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu has strongly criticized the anti-employee policies adopted by the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab over the past four years. He stated that the government’s unjust policies have created deep resentment among employees, which will adversely affect the state’s development and administrative efficiency.
Sidhu said it is extremely unfortunate that state employees and pensioners have been forced to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court for their legitimate demands, including pending dues under the Sixth Pay Commission, unpaid installments of Dearness Allowance, and reimbursement of medical bills. He alleged that instead of implementing the court’s directions, the government is filing review petitions and deliberately adopting a confrontational approach towards employees.
The Congress leader further stated that during the Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party had promised to implement the Old Pension Scheme for employees. However, after coming to power, the government neither implemented the scheme nor released the pending installments of Dearness Allowance. He pointed out that employees and pensioners in Punjab are currently receiving nearly 18 per cent less Dearness Allowance compared to employees of the Central Government and Haryana. Moreover, arrears arising from the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations have also not been released so far.
Sidhu said that despite the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the government to release pending Dearness Allowance installments and Sixth Pay Commission arrears along with 6 pe rcent interest, the government filed irrational petitions through the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). He further alleged that Markfed took an inhumane decision by denying medical allowance and reimbursement of treatment expenses to retired employees, forcing them to seek legal intervention.
While interacting with journalists, Sidhu said that employees play a vital role in the administrative structure of any government. He said, “Punjab’s employees are the backbone of the state. Whether it is the Health Department, Education Department or any other administrative unit – the state functions because of the tireless efforts of these employees. However, the Aam Aadmi Party government is forcing them onto the streets by denying them their rightful dues on time, which is severely affecting employee morale.”
Sidhu further said that it is highly irresponsible and insensitive for the Mann government, which repeatedly claims that the state treasury is full, to cite a financial crisis as an excuse to suppress employees’ rights. He alleged that corruption, wasteful expenditure, and flawed financial policies under the Aam Aadmi Party government are responsible for Punjab’s financial crisis, not the employees.
