PTC Web Desk: If you were planning to visit a government office in Punjab over the next three days, you may have to postpone your work. More than one lakh clerical and ministerial employees have launched a statewide protest, bringing routine government functioning to a near standstill.

The strike, called by the Punjab State Ministerial Services Union (PSMSU), is expected to affect several public services, including land records, transport-related work, certificate verification and administrative processing in government departments.

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Three-day protest announced

The union has announced a two-day 'pen-down and computer shutdown' strike, followed by a mass casual leave on the third day, during which employees will march to Chandigarh to intensify their protest. Union leaders have warned that if the government fails to address their demands, the agitation may be extended further.

Employees have been instructed not to carry out any official work while remaining in their offices. The union has also formed teams to conduct surprise inspections, warning that any employee found working during the strike could face a boycott by the organisation.

Why the strike matters

Although senior officers will continue to attend offices, much of the government's day-to-day work depends on clerical staff, who handle files, records, documentation and official movement of applications.

With clerical employees staying away from work, file processing and administrative approvals are expected to slow down significantly across departments.

More than one lakh employees join agitation

The Punjab State Ministerial Services Union said it has been holding discussions with the state government over its long-pending demands for a considerable period. The union claims that despite several rounds of talks and protests, no concrete solution has emerged.

Services likely to be affected

Several important public services are expected to face disruption during the strike.

Land records and revenue services

Work related to property registration, mutation (Intkal), No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and verification of applications is likely to remain affected.

Processing of certificates such as caste, income and residence certificates may also be delayed.

Driving licence and vehicle services

Employees of the Transport Department are also participating in the strike.

As a result, services related to driving licences, vehicle registration certificates (RC), permits and vehicle fitness certificates may remain unavailable.

Health department work

Clerical employees working in government hospitals and health department offices have also joined the protest.

This could delay the processing of medical reimbursement bills, disability certificates and food safety-related administrative work.

Verification of Seva Kendra applications

Although citizens can continue submitting applications at Seva Kendras, the verification process carried out by clerical staff in various government departments will remain affected.

Seva Kendras to remain open

The strike does not include Seva Kendra operators. Their counters will continue to function and applications will be accepted as usual.

However, since the final verification of these applications is carried out by clerical staff in government departments, many services may not move forward until the strike ends.

Union warns of longer protest

The union has made it clear that if the government does not respond positively to its demands, the protest may continue beyond the announced three-day programme.