Protest Called Outside Minister's Residence
Government employees, represented by various unions under the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), have announced a protest to be held on July 9, 2026, outside the residence of Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat in Jalandhar. The demonstration aims to escalate pressure on the state government to address a series of long-standing demands.
The decision was made during a JCC meeting following a state-level call, after the government allegedly failed to respond to employee concerns. The employees plan to submit a warning memorandum to the minister, urging immediate resolution of their grievances.
Key Demands Include DA and OPS Restoration
The unions are pressing for the immediate release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) installments and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). They also demand the revival of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme and enhanced pension benefits through a 2.59 fitment factor. According to JCC leaders, government employees have been waiting for these demands to be addressed for years.
In addition, the protesters seek full salary during the probation period, minimum wages for honorarium-based workers, and regularisation of contractual employees with higher salaries and improved service conditions. They have also called for the withdrawal of the Rs 200 professional tax, arguing it imposes an unnecessary financial burden.
Warning of Intensified Agitation
JCC leaders warned that if the government continues to delay, the agitation will be intensified, and employees will campaign against the ruling party in the next Assembly elections. The protest is set to begin at 10 AM on July 9, with employees gathering from various government departments.
