Punjab Government announces 8% DA hike for employees, pensioners after meeting With Bhagwant Mann

Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab government on Thursday announced an 8% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state employees and pensioners following a crucial meeting between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and representatives of various employee unions in Chandigarh.

The decision was announced after the meeting, with Cabinet Minister Aman Arora and employee leaders jointly addressing a press conference. Arora said the talks with the Chief Minister helped break the deadlock between the government and employees, adding that government staff are an integral part of the state’s family.

He said the 8% DA increase will be released in two installments of 4% each, taking the total DA for Punjab government employees to 50%. The enhanced allowance will be reflected in salaries paid this month. According to the government, the move will place an additional financial burden of around ₹248 crore on the state exchequer.

Arora said every individual has the right to present their concerns and it is the government's responsibility to listen to them. He added that the government remains committed to resolving pending issues through dialogue.

The development comes after an earlier meeting in Jalandhar where Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had declined to hold discussions with employee unions, insisting that they first withdraw their strike. When union leaders refused, the Chief Minister left without holding talks.

Chandigarh meeting was attended by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, AAP Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora and Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. Representatives from several employee and pensioner organizations, including the Sanjha Front of Pensioners, Sanyukt Mulazim Manch, Punjab Secretariat Association and Punjab Civil Secretariat Officers Association (Retd.), were also present.

Arora said the Chief Minister listened to all demands raised by employees in detail and noted that most of the pending issues originated during previous governments. He said discussions with employee organizations will continue and another meeting with the Chief Minister is expected in about two weeks.

The minister said both sides reached consensus on key issues and emphasized that the government has begun addressing long-pending concerns. He added that efforts will also be made to resolve disputes that have reached courts through mutual dialogue and negotiations.