Thousands of government employees and pensioners from across Punjab gathered in Chandigarh on Friday, mounting one of the largest shows of strength by state employees during the tenure of the Bhagwant Mann government. The protesters demanded payment of pending 18 per cent dearness allowance (DA) arrears, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and regularisation of contractual staff.
Protesters Face Water Cannons Near Punjab Vidhan Sabha
The demonstration turned tense as protesters braved Chandigarh Police water cannons and attempted to breach barricades to march towards the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. According to Deccan Herald, police used water cannons to stop the Punjab government employees' protest march. The protesters were attempting to move towards the CM residence when police intervened.
The rally saw significant participation from women employees, with many leading the charge. The demonstrators accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime of betraying its poll promises to state employees.
Maha Bandh Warning on August 27
The employees warned of intensifying their agitation if their demands remain unresolved. They announced plans for a statewide "Maha Bandh" on August 27, which would bring work to a standstill across Punjab.
"Accusing the AAP regime of betraying its poll promises, they warned of intensifying their agitation and going ahead with a statewide 'Maha Bandh' on August 27 if their demands remained unresolved." — Hindustan Times
The key demands of the protesting employees include:
- Payment of pending 18 per cent dearness allowance (DA) arrears
- Restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
- Regularisation of contractual staff
Our Take: A Growing Standoff in Punjab
This protest marks a significant moment in the relationship between the Punjab government and its employees. The sheer scale of the rally — described as one of the largest during the Bhagwant Mann government's tenure — signals deep dissatisfaction among state workers.
To put it plainly, the employees are not just asking for money; they are asking for long-term security. The demand for OPS restoration reflects a broader anxiety about retirement benefits, while the call for regularisation of contractual staff points to the growing precarity of government employment.
The warning of a Maha Bandh on August 27 is a serious escalation. If the government does not address these demands, the state could face significant disruption. In our view, the Mann government needs to engage with these employees seriously — ignoring a protest of this scale could have political and administrative consequences that go far beyond the immediate standoff.
The coming weeks will be crucial. Will the government negotiate, or will Punjab face a full-scale bandh? The employees have made their position clear — the ball is now in the government's court.