Punjab announces 4% DA hike for government employees

Chandigarh, December 18: Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, made a significant announcement on Monday that directly impacts government employees in the region. A 4 per cent increase in dearness allowance (DA) for these employees will take effect from the ongoing month, resulting in a raise to 38 per cent in their DA. Amrik Singh, President of the Punjab State Ministerial Services Union (PSMSU), confirmed this welcomed decision.

This decision materialised following a meeting between Mann and representatives from the PSMSU in Chandigarh. During the discussions, various concerns and demands of the employees were addressed. Mann expressed his satisfaction with the dialogue, stating, "Had a meeting with the representatives of Punjab State Ministerial Service Union today and discussed their issues in detail... Sharing the good news that we are going to give a new year gift to the employees... DA is increased by 4% which will be effective from 1st December 2023," as mentioned in his post on social media platform 'X'.

The meeting, held at Punjab Bhawan, concluded on a positive note, with Chief Minister Mann himself sharing the news about the outcome. On his social media platform, Mann reiterated the details of the meeting, underscoring the significance of this development as a New Year's gift for the employees. The 4% hike in DA will be applicable starting December 1, 2023.

The impact of this decision is substantial, especially considering the recent strike that had affected the functioning of 43 departments. The strike, initiated by cabinet employees, had disrupted the operations of crucial departments including the DC office, Transport, Public Health, Revenue, Treasury, Education, Food Supply, Health, Agriculture, Building and Road, and Irrigation Departments.

Key demands put forward by the employees, as voiced by Ministerial employee leader Jagdish Thakur, revolve around the implementation of the old pension scheme, the release of pending three installments of dearness allowance, and the regularization of raw employees. These demands, considered legitimate, have received assurances for further consideration and review.