Mohali, September 10
Senior Congress leader and former Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu has launched a sharp attack on the Punjab Aam Aadmi Party government over the long-pending Dearness Allowance (DA) dues of government employees and pensioners. He said that lakhs of employees and pensioners across Punjab are demanding their rightful dues. This is not charity, but a legitimate entitlement earned through their hard work. The government must now clearly state by when the pending DA dues will be paid.
Sidhu said that around 6.5 lakh government employees and pensioners in Punjab are waiting for their rightful dues, and the non-payment of DA arrears for several years has created a financial liability of thousands of crores of rupees for the government. He said that forcing employees, who are dedicating their valuable years to government service, to hold protests and demonstrations merely to receive their own rightful dues reflects the anti-employee mindset of the AAP government.
Sidhu said that employees have approached the courts for their rights and that decisions have also been delivered in their favour during the legal proceedings. Despite this, the government continues to delay the matter and appears prepared to take it further into a legal battle, which is beyond comprehension. S. Sidhu questioned that if the government has funds for advertisements, events and other promotional activities, why does the treasury suddenly run short when it comes to paying employees their legitimate dues?
The former Health Minister said that before coming to power, the Aam Aadmi Party had made several major promises to the people of Punjab and claimed that no section of society would have to take to the streets to demand its rights. However, the situation today is completely the opposite. Employees, pensioners, farmers, youth and other sections of society are on the streets with their demands. He said that the government which came to power in the name of ‘change’ has instead forced people to struggle for their rightful entitlements.
Sidhu said that issues including the law-and-order situation in Punjab, the drug problem, unemployment, farmers’ concerns and issues related to industry have created anxiety among every section of society. He said that instead of focusing only on statements and advertisement-driven politics, the government should pay attention to ground realities. The people of Punjab are now seeking an account not of the government’s promises, but of its performance.
Sidhu said that the Congress party has always raised its voice for the rights of government employees and pensioners and will continue to stand firmly with them in this struggle. He said that Congress will continue to raise the legitimate demands of employees, from the Assembly to the streets, and will use every possible democratic means to hold the government accountable.
Sidhu issued a stern warning to the government and officials, saying that any attempt to intimidate, threaten or cause any kind of harm to an employee raising their voice for their legitimate rights, including DA dues, will not be tolerated. He said that if the AAP government or any official attempts to take retaliatory action against an employee, exert pressure or suppress their rights, the Congress party will stand firmly with that employee. S. Sidhu made it clear that once Congress forms the government in Punjab, such acts of harassment and high-handedness will be thoroughly investigated and strictest action under the law will be ensured against those found responsible.
Sidhu said that once the Congress party forms the government, the legitimate rights of government employees and pensioners will be fulfilled on a priority basis. He said that the rights which have remained pending for a long time will be addressed on priority immediately after the government is formed, instead of being kept pending any further. He said that a Congress government will not force employees to take to the streets for their rights, but will formulate policies based on dialogue and justice.
In conclusion, Sidhu directly questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national leader Arvind Kejriwal as to when the pending DA dues of government employees and pensioners would finally be paid. He said that instead of making excuses, the government must now announce a date. Sidhu said that the employees of Punjab will certainly seek an account of their rightful dues, and in the coming time, the people will hold the government accountable for every promise and every decision.