Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday appealed to striking employees of Sewa Kendras and other departments to resume work, stating that the state government is finalizing a policy to regularize outsourced staff. He assured that the move would benefit approximately 65,000 employees after receiving approval from the Punjab Assembly.
Government's Regularization Plan
The state government had last month decided to regularize outsourced employees. Under the proposed plan, workers will first be engaged on a contractual basis for ten years and then considered for absorption against regular sanctioned posts across various departments. Cheema made these remarks while addressing the media on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Zila Parishad Chairman Singara Singh Salana and Vice-Chairman Gurvinder Singh in Fatehgarh Sahib.
Strike Demands
The Sewa Kendra employees launched an indefinite strike on May 26, demanding permanent appointments and an upward revision in salaries. Cheema alleged that the employees were facing difficulties due to the wrong policies of previous governments. He claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is committed to addressing their concerns systematically.
Other Employee Demands
Responding to queries regarding other demands of government employees, including the release of dearness allowance (DA), the Finance Minister said a sub-committee has already been constituted to examine the matters. He stated that the recommendations of the committee will be implemented after due consideration. Earlier, addressing the function, Cheema called for the speedy implementation of welfare schemes.
