Jalandhar: Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal has welcomed the landmark verdict of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which directed the state government to pay its employees and pensioners the arrears of the 6th Pay Commission and pending installments of Dearness Allowance, along with 6 percent interest. He termed this verdict a major victory for the employees. Dhaliwal stated that the Court’s observation is extremely grave: “Citing a financial crisis to trample upon the rights of employees constitutes the epitome of gross irresponsibility, negligence, and insensitivity on the part of the government.” He further added that it is deeply unfortunate that approximately 35,000 employees and pensioners passed away while still awaiting the installments of their rightful earnings. He remarked that this figure stands as living proof of the government’s failure.
Appreciating the pivotal role played by employees within the administrative framework of any government in Punjab, Dhaliwal said, “Employees are the backbone of the state. Be it the Health Department, the Education Department, or any other administrative unit, the functioning of the state runs solely on account of the tireless, round-the-clock efforts of these employees. It is the duty of every government to ensure that employees’ dues are cleared on time, rather than forcing them to take to the streets to press for their demands.” He further noted that the Court’s decision to impose a 6 percent interest rate confirms that the government has committed a grave injustice against its employees. He asserted that the Punjab government must implement this verdict immediately, without any further delay, and ensure that the employees’ pending dues are deposited into their accounts as soon as possible.
