Government offices across Punjab remained shut on Tuesday, October 21, as employees launched a two-day strike, and the protest has affected government work, while school teachers have also taken mass leave.
Here is what residents need to know about services affected by the strike:
1. Government offices: Government offices across Punjab remained shut due to the strike. Residents visiting government departments for official work may face delays and inconvenience.
2. Work at DC offices: Employees of the DC Office Employees’ Union are participating in the agitation. This may affect routine administrative work at district offices.
3. School operations: Some school teachers have taken mass leave in support of the protest.
4. Other government services: The strike is aimed at government employees across departments.
There is no confirmed information indicating a general shutdown of private offices, shops, markets, hospitals or public transport because of this strike. These establishments should not be assumed to be closed.
The strike announcement also does not establish that all schools across Punjab have been officially ordered to shut.
Tejinder Singh Nangal, president of the DC Office Employees’ Union, said employees are protesting over pending demands and the government's failure to fulfil earlier assurances.
According to Nangal, a meeting with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was held on September 18, during which the government offered an 8% Dearness Allowance (DA). Employees said their other demands remained unresolved.
The Chief Minister had reportedly assured another meeting in the first week of October, but employees said no further meeting took place at his level.
The Punjab Chief Secretary invited the union for a meeting on October 21, however, the union boycotted the meeting.
Nangal said the two-day strike would continue unless the government agreed to the employees’ demands. The committee has also warned of a larger state-wide agitation if no concrete solution emerges.
Residents planning to visit government offices on October 21 and 22 should check with the concerned department before travelling.