The Pensioner Doctors Association, Punjab (PDAP), has called upon the state government to address the long-pending issue of non-practising allowance (NPA) and release all dues owed to pensioners and employees. PDAP president Dr. D C Sharma alleged that the Punjab government is withholding approximately Rs 50,000 crore in dues related to the implementation of the 2016 Pay Commission, pending dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) instalments, pension revision anomalies for pre-2016 retirees, and full pension benefits for several pensioners after 25 years of service.
Key Demands of Pensioner Doctors
Dr. Sharma emphasized that retired doctors are also facing the unresolved issue of inclusion of NPA benefits in their pension calculations. The association has been persistently raising these matters with the state government but has not received a satisfactory response.
Allegations of Unfulfilled Commitments
PDAP vice-president Dr. D S Bhullar, who also coordinates the association's retired medical and dental teachers' wing, alleged that the state government has not fulfilled undertakings given before the high court in cases filed earlier by retired doctors. He stressed that the government must honor its commitments and resolve the pending issues without further delay.
Background of the Issue
The demand for clearance of dues has been a long-standing grievance among pensioner doctors in Punjab. The association has been actively pursuing the matter through various channels, including legal avenues and representations to the government. The non-practising allowance, which is a benefit provided to doctors who are not allowed to engage in private practice, has been a particularly contentious issue.
The PDAP has urged the state government to take immediate action to release the pending amounts, which would provide much-needed financial relief to retired doctors and their families. The association has warned of further agitation if their demands are not met promptly.
