Chandigarh: In a major relief to around eight lakh employees and pensioners, the Punjab government on Friday announced to increase dearness allowance (DA) by eight per cent, with the increase applicable from the September salary.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the move reflected the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of employees, whom he described as the backbone of the state’s administrative machinery.
The Chief Minister also announced compulsory monthly meetings with employee representatives to address genuine issues, postings for women employees within 40 km of their homes, and highlighting that around 70,000 government jobs have been provided through a transparent and corruption-free process.
CM Mann met representatives of employees and pensioners, heard their concerns and took the decision, choosing dialogue and resolution over confrontation.
Emphasising that the welfare, dignity and legitimate concerns of government employees remain a priority for the state government, the Chief Minister said, “As per the decision, two instalments of four per cent each will be released to employees and pensioners, with the benefit to be reflected in their salaries from October 1. Ahead of the festive season, this decision will provide additional financial support to thousands of government employees and pensioners and their families.”
Saying the state government understands the responsibilities shouldered by its employees and the pressures they face in their personal and professional lives, CM Mann said, “A happy employee is a productive employee and I believe that when an employee works with satisfaction, dignity and peace of mind, the entire system performs better and the people receive better services.”
“Government employees are not merely a part of the administrative system but are its backbone. From delivering essential services to implementing welfare schemes and maintaining day-to-day administration, employees work at every level to ensure that the government reaches the doorstep of the common people,” he added.
(IANS)
