Cheema Reaffirms Pro-Employee Stand, Directs ₹60 Lakh Insurance for Anganwadi Workers

Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, Harpal Singh Cheema, on Thursday held a series of meetings with representatives of five Education Department unions, two Anganwadi unions and an outsourced employees' union.

During the meetings, the Finance Minister issued directions to the Department of Social Security to ensure a minimum life insurance cover of ₹60 lakh for Anganwadi workers by coordinating with the banks through which their salaries are disbursed.

The meetings reflected the Punjab Government's commitment to maintaining regular dialogue with employee organisations and resolving their administrative and financial issues through a consultative approach.

Listening to the concerns raised by various unions, Cheema reiterated the Bhagwant Mann-led government's pro-employee approach and assured the representatives that most of their genuine demands are already under active administrative consideration.

"We understand the difficulties being faced by employees. The necessary administrative framework to resolve the majority of their legitimate demands is already in place, and the government is working to expedite the process," the Finance Minister said.

He further assured the delegations that the government is committed to delivering positive outcomes at the earliest and remains focused on safeguarding the interests of employees across departments.

During the discussions, representatives of the Berozgar B.Ed. TET Pass Adhyapak Union, Berozgar PSTET Pass Art and Craft Sangharsh Union, Murh Bahal Kachhe Adhyapak Union, SSA/MDM Non-Teaching Employees Union Punjab, and the Unaided Staff of Aided Schools Front submitted memorandums seeking job security and resolution of long-pending employment issues.

Representatives of the Anganwadi Mulazam Union Punjab (CITU) and the Jujharu Anganwadi Worker/Helper Union Punjab demanded higher honorariums and improved service conditions for Anganwadi workers and helpers.

Meanwhile, the Enlistment-Outsource Coordination Committee urged the government to include outsourced employees under the proposed 2026 personnel legislation, besides seeking post-retirement benefits and assured minimum wages.

Senior representatives from all eight unions participated in the meetings and presented their respective demands before the Cabinet Sub-Committee for consideration.