📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / The Government of Punjab
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Punjab Government Employees Launch Symbolic Hunger Strike Over Pending DA and Pension Restoration
✍️ Amar Ujala · Amritsar
🗓 08 Sep 2026, 09:30 AM
👁 3
On Thursday, Punjab government staff began a symbolic hunger strike, halting work to press for overdue dearness allowance and the reinstatement of the old pension scheme.
Punjab's state government employees staged a symbolic hunger strike on Thursday, suspending routine duties across various departments. The protest, organized by staff unions, is being conducted in several districts, with a visible presence in Amritsar.
The striking workers are demanding the payment of pending dearness allowance (DA) that has been delayed for months, as well as the restoration of the pre‑2004 pension scheme that many retirees consider more beneficial. Union representatives say the arrears have strained household finances and that the old pension formula offers greater security for aging employees.
State officials have acknowledged the grievances and indicated that a meeting with union leaders will be scheduled later this week. They have urged the employees to maintain a peaceful approach and assured that the administration is reviewing the financial implications of the demands.
While essential public services such as healthcare and law enforcement remain operational, the temporary shutdown of administrative offices is expected to cause minor delays in processing certificates and permits. Authorities have asked citizens to be patient as the dispute is resolved through dialogue.
The striking workers are demanding the payment of pending dearness allowance (DA) that has been delayed for months, as well as the restoration of the pre‑2004 pension scheme that many retirees consider more beneficial. Union representatives say the arrears have strained household finances and that the old pension formula offers greater security for aging employees.
State officials have acknowledged the grievances and indicated that a meeting with union leaders will be scheduled later this week. They have urged the employees to maintain a peaceful approach and assured that the administration is reviewing the financial implications of the demands.
While essential public services such as healthcare and law enforcement remain operational, the temporary shutdown of administrative offices is expected to cause minor delays in processing certificates and permits. Authorities have asked citizens to be patient as the dispute is resolved through dialogue.