The Punjab government employees and pensioners are demanding a range of changes, including a 18% Dearness Allowance (DA) hike, the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and the implementation of the 4-9-14 Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme. They are also calling for the withdrawal of notifications related to probation and pay rules, the regularisation of contractual, outsourced, and temporary employees, and the revision of pensions in line with the 6th Punjab state pay commission's recommendations. Additionally, they want the restoration of withdrawn allowances, the enhancement of retirement gratuity, the implementation of the 6th Punjab state pay commission's remaining recommendations, and the extension of minimum wages to women working on honorarium under various government schemes. The Joint Coordination Committee (JAC) of Punjab Government Employees and Pensioners has organised a protest rally on July 17 in Mohali to press these demands. The Punjab government has announced that it will consider the payment of pending DA and dearness relief (DR) dues for the period between July 1, 2021, and March 31, 2024. A sub-committee will also discuss the payment of arrears based on revised salary and pension benefits for the period between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2021. The government has also approved the process to dismantle a decades-old contractual employment system and regularise over 65,000 workers across 51 government departments. This reform will benefit more than 26,000 workers, with those performing duties involving risks to life and health receiving faster consideration. The demands of the employees and pensioners highlight the need for comprehensive pension reforms and the need to address the concerns of contractual and temporary workers. The Punjab government's response to these demands will be crucial in ensuring the well-being of its employees and pensioners, and in maintaining a fair and equitable work environment.
