SAD Leader Majithia Applauds High Court Directive on Punjab DA Dues
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) functionary Bikram Singh Majithia on Tuesday expressed strong support for the Punjab and Haryana High Court's recent directions, which mandate the Punjab government to release pending dearness allowance (DA) dues to its employees and pensioners. Majithia emphasized that this financial entitlement should have been granted proactively, without forcing employees to resort to legal action to secure their rightful dues.
Criticism of Bhagwant Mann Government's Approach
In a pointed critique, Majithia stated, "The verdict has exposed the evasive approach of the Bhagwant Mann government." He elaborated that despite clear obligations, employees and pensioners have been made to wait for years for their pending dues. Majithia clarified that this is not an act of generosity by the government but rather the rightful money of employees that was unjustly withheld. He highlighted the prolonged delays as a significant failure in governance.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
In a written statement, Majithia raised serious concerns about financial priorities, alleging, "Thousands of crores remain pending while the government continues to spend heavily on publicity and image-building exercises." This statement underscores a perceived misallocation of resources, where essential employee benefits are neglected in favor of promotional activities.
Government's Response and Further Delays
Majithia further alleged that instead of promptly implementing the high court's order, the Punjab government is planning to move the Supreme Court against the ruling. He interpreted this as yet another attempt to delay the release of dues, prolonging the financial hardship for employees and pensioners. This move suggests a potential continuation of the legal battle, which could further stall the disbursement process.
Recent Government Actions and Criticism
Referring to an April 7 notification by the Punjab government to reconstitute the cabinet sub-committee regarding pay commission arrears for employees and pensioners, Majithia expressed frustration. In a post on X earlier in the day, he stated, "Instead of clearing long-pending arrears, the Punjab government has formed another committee." This action is viewed as a bureaucratic delay tactic rather than a substantive step toward resolving the issue, adding to the criticism of the administration's handling of the matter.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between political factions in Punjab over fiscal management and employee welfare, with the high court's intervention bringing the issue to the forefront of public discourse.
