Chandigarh: The Punjab Congress on Monday welcomed the Punjab and Haryana High Court order rejecting the state government's plea against payment of dearness allowance (DA) to employees and pensioners by June 30.
Warring Criticizes AAP Government
Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring stated that DA is the rightful entitlement of employees and pensioners and questioned why the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government was resisting its release. He alleged that the Punjab government has borrowed Rs 5,300 crore in the past one-and-a-half months and spent heavily on publicity and propaganda. "If it can borrow money for publicity, why can't it borrow money to pay employees and pensioners their dues?" Warring asked.
Warring further announced that the Congress would release pending DA arrears on priority if voted to power in the next assembly elections.
Bajwa and Randhawa React
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also welcomed the court order and congratulated employees for standing up for their rights. He alleged that the state government had forced employees to repeatedly approach courts for their dues. Bajwa said the High Court's observations had exposed the "anti-employee face" of the state government and thanked the court for protecting employees' rights.
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa termed the verdict a major relief for lakhs of employees and pensioners awaiting pending DA payments. He emphasized that DA is an entitlement, not charity, and urged the government to release the arrears immediately.
Employee Organizations Welcome Verdict
Employee organizations also welcomed the High Court decision and reiterated their demand for early payment of dues.
