allworld.mediaNews from all over the world
Punjab Government Announces 8% Increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) from October 1st
Read more
Aaj Tak
www.aajtak.in

Punjab Government Announces 8% Increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) from October 1st

While central employees await a second Dearness Allowance (DA Hike) increase in July, which has not yet been announced by the central government, the Punjab government has provided a significant gift to its state employees and pensioners ahead of the Diwali holidays.

The Punjab government has announced an 8% increase in the inflation allowance/Dearness Allowance, effective from the first day of next month, i.e., October 1st.

Before the festive season, the Punjab government, led by Bhagwant Mann, announced a gift for approximately eight hundred thousand employees and pensioners. Following the announcement of the 8% increase in the Dearness Allowance, the DA will become 50% from October 1st. The payment will be made in two installments of four percent each.

This major government decision was taken after prolonged protests by state employees and pensioners who raised issues regarding the payment of arrears for allowances and other service demands.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a meeting with representatives of employee and pensioner organizations last Friday, September 18th, after which this major announcement was made.

Gurnam Singh Virk, president of the Punjab Association of Ministerial Services, informed about the government's decision, clarifying that the increase in the inflation allowance will take effect from October 1st, and that the government will make the payment in two phases. He also noted that the government assured employee representatives that other pending issues would be discussed.

CM Bhagwant Mann stated that this government decision will provide additional financial support to state workers, pensioners, and their families during the festive period. He emphasized that the state government is committed to the real demands of employees and pensioners, and that issues will be examined and discussed according to existing rules, financial implications, and legal provisions.

Nevertheless, the dispute over the outstanding debt of 14,191 crore rupees owed to employees and pensioners continues. Bhagwant Mann's government announcement on the DA hike does not resolve this pre-existing issue. Employees demand compliance with the High Court of Punjab and Haryana order, which mandates the government to pay the arrears within two weeks. The state has challenged this order in the Supreme Court, arguing that such a large payment in such a short time is economically unfeasible.

Similar stories

Salary of Panchayat Assistants Increased by 50% in Uttar Pradesh; Monthly Payment to Be ₹9,000
Read more
www.aajtak.in

Salary of Panchayat Assistants Increased by 50% in Uttar Pradesh; Monthly Payment to Be ₹9,000

A decision has been made in Uttar Pradesh to increase the salary of over 57,000 Panchayat assistants by 50%. Previously, assistants received ₹6,000 monthly, but this amount will now be increased to ₹9,000 per month, which represents an increase of ₹3,000.

In addition to the salary increase, additional benefits have been announced for Panchayat assistants, including social security, cashless treatment options, and maternity leave for female Panchayat assistants. It was also stated that those assistants who were dismissed due to actions during protests would be reinstated, and lawsuits filed against them during these demonstrations would be withdrawn.

The new resolution provides for an increase in the monthly payment to Panchayat assistants from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000. This constitutes a direct increase of ₹3,000 per month, corresponding to a 50 percent rise. This change will affect over 57,000 Panchayat assistants working at the Panchayat level.

Previously, the demands of Panchayat assistants included a raise in salary and other working conditions. Now, the government has made decisions not only on the issue of increasing wages but also on other requests.

Previously, payments to Panchayat assistants were made from the funds of the State Finance Committee. This system will now be changed. The government announced that after receiving approval from the Cabinet, a DBT system, meaning direct transfer of payments, will be implemented. Thus, the ₹9,000 that Panchayat assistants will receive will be sent directly to their bank accounts, ensuring a direct link between payments and bank accounts.

The decision was not limited to just a salary increase; significant changes were made in the area of social protection. Gram chairpersons and Panchayat secretaries no longer have the right to unilaterally dismiss a Panchayat assistant. A prescribed procedure must be used to terminate employment with a Panchayat assistant. For this, a commission chaired by the District Magistrate will be formed, which will be able to decide on the dismissal of the Panchayat assistant.

Another important decision related to the protests of Panchayat assistants is the withdrawal of lawsuits filed against them during these actions. Furthermore, Panchayat assistants who were dismissed as a result of measures taken during the protests will be reinstated. This decision gives hope to Panchayat assistants who participated in the demonstrations for relief.

The government has made decisions on both wage issues and issues related to their employment relations. An important measure was also announced for female Panchayat assistants: they will be provided with maternity leave, which will support female employees regarding motherhood.

It was decided to provide Panchayat assistants with cashless treatment services. Under this system, Panchayat assistants will be able to utilize cashless services during treatment. Thus, in addition to the salary increase, the government has included health-related issues of Panchayat assistants in its decisions, providing them with financial and medical support during treatment.

Following negotiations with Panchayat Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, who met with representatives of the Panchayat assistants leading the protest, with the participation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, decisions were announced on Wednesday. During the press conference, representatives reported on the decisions made in the interest of Panchayat assistants, including salary increase, social security, withdrawal of lawsuits, reinstatement, maternity leave for women, and cashless treatment.

Popular