Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
More than seven lakh government employees and pensioners across Punjab went on a statewide mega strike on Thursday, pressing for the fulfillment of eight key demands, including the release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA). The strike has disrupted services in government offices, hospitals, and dispensaries, with OPD services remaining affected in several districts.
Employee unions said workers had taken collective leave after informing their department heads and announced that they would remain on strike throughout the day. The protest has impacted routine public services and caused inconvenience to citizens across the state.
Amid the agitation, a crucial meeting between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and representatives of employee organizations is scheduled for 1 pm in Jalandhar. Ahead of the talks, Mann urged employees to end the strike and return to the negotiating table.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said government employees are an important part of Punjab’s family and that the government is willing to hear all legitimate concerns. However, he stressed that dialogue and strikes cannot continue simultaneously and said discussions would be meaningful only after the strike is withdrawn.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the meeting was shifted to Jalandhar due to the Chief Minister’s engagements in the city. He expressed hope that the employee unions would withdraw the strike following the discussions.
“Government employees work for the welfare of the people. Citizens pay taxes, and they should not be made to suffer because of disruptions in public services,” Cheema said.
The outcome of the Jalandhar meeting is expected to play a key role in determining whether the strike continues or is called off later in the day.
