Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Government employees continue to receive substantially higher salaries than their counterparts in the Central Government across several major cadres, and has defended its existing Dearness Allowance (DA) policy as a sovereign policy decision taken in view of the State’s financial position.
According to official information, Punjab employees in many categories draw 30% to 70% higher pay under the State’s pay structure. The Government pointed out that while Punjab currently provides 42% DA, compared with 60% DA paid by the Central Government, the higher basic pay and pay scales under Punjab’s structure result in a higher overall monthly salary in many cases.
State Government maintained that it is committed to ensuring that no Punjab employee receives less than the total emoluments payable under the corresponding Central Government pay scale together with the Central Government DA rate. However, it clarified that the higher Central DA rate cannot be superimposed on Punjab’s already higher pay scales, as the two pay structures are fundamentally different and cannot be combined.
Officials further stated that fixation of Dearness Allowance is a sovereign policy decision of the State Government, to be determined on the basis of Punjab’s own financial and administrative considerations.
Punjab cites salary comparison
The Government released comparative figures showing that Punjab employees in several key categories receive higher monthly salaries than employees holding equivalent posts under the Central Government:
Punjab vs Central Government Salary Comparison
Post Punjab Govt Salary Central Govt Salary Difference
Clerk ₹54,812 ₹36,960 +₹17,852
Driver ₹40,612 ₹36,960 +₹3,652
Stenographer ₹56,374 ₹47,360 +₹9,014
ETT Teacher ₹67,592 ₹65,760 +₹1,832
Constable ₹54,812 ₹36,960 +₹17,852
Government said these figures demonstrate that aggregate monthly salaries in Punjab remain higher in many cadres even after accounting for the lower DA percentage.
Concern over fiscal impact
The State Government also highlighted that Punjab already carries one of the highest salary and pension burdens among major Indian states. It warned that implementation of any arrangement involving payment of the higher Central Government DA rate on Punjab’s higher pay scales would significantly increase expenditure on salaries and pensions.
According to the Government, such an increase would further strain the State’s finances and reduce the fiscal space available for capital investment and developmental expenditure, including infrastructure, education, healthcare and other public welfare programs.
Government reiterated that its approach seeks to balance employee welfare with fiscal sustainability, while continuing to provide salary structures that remain competitive and, in many cases, more beneficial than those available under the Central Government system.
