Education Board Staff in Mohali Launch Pen‑Down Strike Over Unpaid DA

Mohali, Punjab – A group of employees of the state education board began a pen‑down strike on Monday, refusing to perform any duties until the pending daily allowance (DA) is paid. The staff, who are responsible for administering school examinations and other academic functions, halted work after the DA, a statutory allowance meant to cover travel and subsistence, was not disbursed for the current period.
The strike, described as a “pen‑down” protest, involves employees staying at their workstations without undertaking any official tasks, thereby disrupting routine administrative processes. Union representatives said the delay in DA payment has caused financial strain for many staff members, prompting collective action.
Education department officials have been approached for comment, and a meeting with union leaders is reportedly being scheduled to resolve the issue and resume normal operations.
The protest underscores growing concerns among government employees about timely payment of allowances, and authorities are expected to address the grievance to avoid further disruption to the education system.