PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Government has transferred Sanjha Mulazam Manch Punjab president Sukhchain Singh Khaira, who has been at the forefront of the ongoing employees’ agitation against the state government.

According to an order issued by the Department of General Administration on August 31, Khaira has been moved out of the Punjab Civil Secretariat and posted to the Planning Branch in Sector 33 with immediate effect.

He has been directed to join his new place of posting immediately. The order also makes it clear that failure to join the new assignment could lead to action, including stoppage of salary.

Khaira is among three officials who have been transferred through the latest order.

Transfer comes amid escalating employees’ protest

The transfer comes days after a statewide protest by Punjab government employees and pensioners, during which Khaira emerged as one of the prominent voices opposing the government's action against employees who participated in the agitation.

Nearly four lakh government employees reportedly took mass casual leave on August 27 as part of the ‘Maha Hartal’ called by employee and pensioner organisations. The protesters have been demanding, among other things, the release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA), restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and action on several long-pending service-related demands.

Following the protest, the government directed administrative secretaries and heads of departments to identify employees who remained absent from duty without authorised leave.

The Personnel Department subsequently moved towards disciplinary action, directing departments to issue show-cause notices to employees who were absent on August 27. The employees have been asked to explain why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against them.

DETAILED ORDER

Khaira rejects govt’s move

Khaira had strongly opposed the government's decision to collect details of employees who remained absent during the protest.

Speaking to PTC News, he said employee organisations would not hold talks with the government until a letter seeking action against protesting employees was withdrawn.

He argued that the government was sending contradictory signals by expressing willingness to negotiate while simultaneously preparing lists of employees who participated in the agitation.

Khaira said the unions would instead intensify their campaign and indicated that employee organisations could consider further action against the Chief Secretary over the issue.

Khaira also denied reports that government employees had already observed a “digital strike”. He said employees would completely stop work if their organisations formally decided to call a strike.

He described reports of a digital strike as rumours.

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