Intensifying its agitation against the Punjab government over pending financial demands, the Old Scales, Old Pension and Allowances Restoration Front has announced a massive protest march towards Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s residence in Chandigarh on May 17.
The decision was taken during a meeting held at Comrade Channan Singh Dhut Bhawan in Hoshiarpur under the leadership of various employee union representatives, including leaders of the Old Pension Restoration Front Punjab, Democratic Teachers’ Front, Master Cadre Union, 5994 Teachers’ Union and Veterinary Inspectors’ Association.
Addressing the meeting, state leaders Mukesh Gujarati, Inder Sukhdeep Singh Odhra, Sandeep Gill and Harjodh Singh Saini accused the AAP government of ignoring employees’ financial issues. They strongly criticised Finance Minister Harpal Cheema’s recent statement in the Assembly regarding delay in implementation of the old pension scheme, alleging that the government was backing away from its earlier commitments.
The leaders demanded withdrawal of the July 17, 2020 notification based on new central pay scales and implementation of revised Punjab pay scales along with the benefits of the Sixth Punjab Pay Commission and 15 per cent increase. They also sought restoration of the old pension scheme for employees recruited after January 1, 2004, release of pending 16 per cent dearness allowance and reinstatement of 37 withdrawn allowances, including rural area and border area allowances.
The front said a state-wide mobilisation campaign would be launched across departments, schools and offices to ensure large participation in the May 17 rally and protest march in Chandigarh.
