Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has said that the state government is ready to discuss the “legitimate concerns” of government employees, but talks and a strike cannot continue at the same time.
Mann made the statement on X as more than 7 lakh government employees and pensioners across Punjab observed a one-day strike on Thursday, August 27, over eight demands, including the release of Dearness Allowance (DA).
The Chief Minister said employees are an integral part of the government’s family and that his government is committed to resolving their issues, however, he made it clear that dialogue with employee unions would take place only after the strike is withdrawn.
A meeting between employee unions and CM Mann is scheduled for 1 PM today in Jalandhar, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the meeting venue was shifted to Jalandhar because the Chief Minister was there.
Cheema also said employees should work for the welfare of Punjab’s people and should not cause inconvenience to the general public and said people pay taxes and therefore should not face difficulties because of the strike.
The strike has affected government services at several places across the state. Employees have taken mass leave from their respective departments, with government offices, hospitals and dispensaries reporting disruption.
In Mohali, a person who visited the Civil Hospital to collect medicines said a guard told him that employees were on strike and asked him to return the next day, while in Pathankot, locks were found on the doors of the Municipal Corporation office and Civil Hospital.
Government drivers are also participating in the strike, creating difficulties for officials travelling to their offices.
However, government bus services have not been affected in the same manner.
The Sanjha Mulazim Manch Punjab had initially announced that government bus drivers and conductors would participate in the strike, following a meeting with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday, they decided not to join, citing the upcoming Raksha Bandhan festival and as a result, Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC buses are operating. Government schools are also open in many areas.
The employee unions’ response to the Chief Minister’s condition and the outcome of the scheduled 1 PM meeting will determine the next course of action.
