Punjab and Haryana HC sets deadline for Punjab to decide on DA, DR for employees and pensioners
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab Government to take a time-bound decision on petitions concerning dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) for employees and pensioners. The HC has asked the state to issue a reasoned order within three months, adding that if petitioners are found entitled to the benefits, they must be granted immediately.
The case was filed by Nirmal Singh Dhanoa and other petitioners, who argued that the Punjab Government has been delaying the implementation of DA and DR installments compared to Central Government employees. They sought parity with the Centre and demanded DA/DR as per the recommendations of the Sixth Punjab Pay Commission.
According to the petition, 125% DA/DR should have been effective from January 1, 2016, but was delayed by the state. Similarly, the 28% DA due from July 1, 2021, was implemented only in November 2021. The petitioners also highlighted delays in implementing subsequent DA hikes of 34% (January 2022), 38% (July 2022), and 42% (January 2023).
The petition further demanded timely implementation of upcoming DA installments of 46%, 50%, 53%, and 55%, along with 12% interest on arrears for the delayed payments.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s directive now puts the onus on the Punjab Government to address long-pending grievances of employees and pensioners.
- PTC NEWS
