Punjab police used water cannons on Thursday to disperse a protest march by state government employees who were heading towards the Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh. The employees, under the banner of the Punjab Government Employees Union, were demanding a revision of pay scales and restoration of the old pension scheme.
Protest Turns Heated
The situation turned tense as hundreds of employees attempted to break through barricades near the CM's residence. Police resorted to mild force, including water cannons, to prevent the crowd from advancing. Some protesters were detained briefly but later released.
Demands of the Employees
The employees have been protesting for several weeks, seeking the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations and the restoration of the old pension scheme, which was replaced by the New Pension Scheme in 2004. They argue that the new scheme leaves them financially vulnerable after retirement.
Union leaders stated that they would continue their agitation until their demands are met. They have also called for a statewide strike if the government does not respond positively.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government has urged the employees to maintain peace and assured them that their demands are under consideration. However, no concrete timeline has been provided for any decision.
The protest is part of a larger wave of unrest among state government employees across India, who are demanding better pay and pension benefits.
