Chandigarh: In a major relief to government employees and pensioners across Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced an 8 percent increase in Dearness Allowance following a high-level meeting with employee and pensioner union representatives. The enhanced financial allowance will be credited to beneficiaries starting with their October salary payouts, effectively concluding weeks of demonstrations and deadlock between the administration and state government workers.
Describing state employees as an integral part of his family, the Chief Minister confirmed that the decision was finalized during constructive and cordial discussions aimed at safeguarding worker welfare. The administration and union leadership also evaluated several unresolved matters originating under previous governments, such as the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, salary structures during initial probation periods, and the working conditions of ASHA and mid-day meal workers.
To formulate sustainable and permanent administrative solutions for these long-standing demands, the state government has scheduled a follow-up round of deliberations with employee representatives during the first week of October.
Mann reiterated that no communication gap exists between the governing administration and public sector employees, underscoring that all administrative grievances will be resolved systematically through mutual dialogue. Reaffirming his administration’s governance vision, the Chief Minister called for collective efforts across all departments to drive provincial development and build a prosperous Punjab.
