The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab seems to be on a collision course with several employee unions, notably the revenue officials who have issued a threat to initiate a pen-down strike if their demands go unmet.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has made it explicitly clear to these striking employees that their jobs could be at risk if they resort to such actions, potentially causing disruptions and inconvenience to the people of Punjab.
Mann voiced his concern, stating, "Enough is enough. Despite receiving substantial salaries, some as high as Rs 1.5 lakh per month, these employees resort to striking frequently. If their demands are genuine, they should communicate them to us instead of inconveniencing the common people. It appears they believe that by declaring a pen-down strike, they can disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens, which would ultimately reflect poorly on me. So, why shouldn't I warn them that they might not be welcomed back once the pen-down strike concludes? I challenge them to put their pens down."
This strike stemmed from the registration of a corruption case against two revenue officials in Sangrur, prompting over 2,000 revenue officials, including Patwaris and Revenue Kanungos, to embark on a pen-down strike last Friday.
In response, the chief minister promptly initiated the recruitment process for 2,037 vacant positions within the revenue department and mandated biometric attendance for those participating in the strike.
Mann underscored the availability of numerous educated unemployed youths willing to put their pens to good use, highlighting his own well-informed and experienced approach to governance. He emphasized, "Some may perceive me as a newcomer, but I am well-versed and far from inexperienced. I possess a keen insight that enables me to identify those causing disruptions for the public and pinpoint their motives."
Drawing attention to the striking employees' use of proxy workers, paid a mere Rs 10,000, while they engage in real estate activities, Mann delivered a stern warning. "Consider this an open warning. I stand firmly with the people of Punjab, and I will not tolerate anyone who causes distress to the public or engages in misappropriation of government funds. Stringent measures will be taken against such individuals," he declared.
The Chief Minister emphasized the paradox of these striking employees, who, despite earning substantial salaries ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh per month, are resorting to strikes.
"The argument they present is that their colleague was arrested for accepting a bribe. I say that God has given them the gift of a pen, and they should be thankful for it. Their pens should serve the livelihoods of ordinary people. Is it their intention to disrupt the lives of these individuals with a pen-down strike? I have conveyed to them in no uncertain terms that if they continue with this strike, they may permanently lose their pens. The state government is fully aware," Mann stressed.
The Punjab government is resolute in quelling the employee strike and has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to safeguard the interests of the general public against any adverse impact due to the strikes.
Concurrently, the Punjab State Ministerial Staff Union (PSMSU) demonstrated their discontent by burning copies of ESMA in protest against the state government's decision to enact the law. Navvarinder Singh, President of the Mohali unit of PSMSU, stated, "The Punjab government invoked ESMA to hinder our protests. To protest this decision, we are burning copies of this law in every district across the state."
He went on to reveal their planned protests from September 11 to 15, during which PSMSU members will wear black badges to convey their dissatisfaction. Additionally, they intend to stage demonstrations in front of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) between September 28 and 30, where they will submit their demands. Should their request for a meeting with the Chief Minister be denied, they have scheduled a pen-down strike from October 5 to 10.
One of the foremost demands of the striking Punjab employees is the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme. Navvarinder Singh remarked, "The government came into power with the promise of reviving the old pension scheme, pledging immediate implementation upon taking office. However, even after being in power for 1.5 years, they have yet to fulfill this commitment."
Navvarinder Singh noted the contrasting scenario in neighboring Himachal Pradesh, where the Congress government, succeeding the AAP in Punjab, promptly implemented the Old Pension Scheme.
He went on to reveal their intentions to organize an employee protest in New Delhi next month to draw attention to the Punjab government's stance. The government's bureaucratic procedures have apparently hindered the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme, making it seem like a distant aspiration.
The employee union leaders also demanded the disbursement of arrears from the 6th Pay Commission, which was put into effect in 2016. Additionally, installments of dearness allowance have been withheld.
Remarkably, despite their efforts over the past 1.5 years, the employee union leaders have been unable to secure an audience with the Chief Minister, adding to their frustrations and concerns.
