Punjab Opposition Leader Calls for Salary Freeze for Top Officials Over Unpaid DA Dues
In a bold move, Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, has demanded an immediate freeze on the salaries of the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, all MLAs, and senior bureaucrats, including IAS and IPS officers. This demand comes as a response to the prolonged delay in releasing Dearness Allowance (DA) dues for government employees, which have been pending for nearly 30 months.
A Stand Against Moral Turpitude
Bajwa, a senior Congress leader, took a firm stand on Friday, stating that it is unacceptable for those in positions of power to continue drawing full salaries and benefits while lakhs of employees and pensioners suffer due to unpaid dues. He emphasized that this situation represents a matter of moral turpitude, where ministers, MLAs, and Class I officers receive their full emoluments, while junior employees and retirees face immense financial strain.
"When lakhs of employees have been waiting for nearly 30 months for their rightful dues, it is unconscionable for leaders and senior officials to enjoy uninterrupted salaries," Bajwa asserted. He highlighted that these dues are not mere concessions but legitimate earnings for those who have dedicatedly served the state.
Targeting the AAP-Led Government
Directly targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Bajwa accused the administration of betraying the very employees who played a decisive role in bringing the party to power. He stated that government employees had been given assurances before the elections, but instead of fulfillment, they have faced delay, deception, and neglect.
"The delay in releasing the DA exposes the government's insensitivity towards its own workforce," Bajwa remarked, underscoring the gravity of the issue. He noted that approximately Rs 14,500 crore in dues remain unpaid, placing a heavy burden on employees and pensioners across Punjab.
Urging Compliance with Court Orders
Bajwa urged the state government to immediately comply with the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has ordered the release of pending DA instalments. He cautioned against any move to challenge this court order, warning that such a step would only prolong the hardship of employees and reflect poorly on the government's intent and commitment.
"Any attempt to contest the high court's order would be detrimental and show a lack of genuine concern for the welfare of employees," he added, stressing the need for prompt action to alleviate the financial distress faced by thousands.
Criticism Over Old Pension Scheme Implementation
In addition to the DA issue, Bajwa slammed the government for failing to effectively implement the promised Old Pension Scheme (OPS), despite issuing a notification. He pointed out that while announcements were made, practical execution has lagged, leaving employees in a state of uncertainty and frustration.
"Employees were promised the Old Pension Scheme, but what they have received is empty rhetoric and administrative inertia," Bajwa commented, highlighting broader concerns about governance and accountability in the state.
This demand for a salary freeze underscores growing tensions in Punjab over employee welfare and fiscal management, with the opposition holding the government accountable for its commitments.
