Punjab staff and pensioners stage massive hartal over Dearness Allowance

Punjab's government employees and pensioners launched a statewide hartal today, halting routine services to press for a higher Dearness Allowance (DA). The strike, described as a "maha hartal," aims to compel the state administration to revise the DA rates, which are linked to inflation and cost of living.

Union representatives said the current DA does not keep pace with rising prices, affecting the purchasing power of staff and retirees alike. They have urged the state government to announce an immediate increase, warning that the protest will continue until their demands are met.

Authorities have appealed for calm and assured that essential services such as hospitals and public transport will remain operational where possible. The situation is being monitored closely as the hartal unfolds across major towns in Punjab.

The move follows similar demands in other states, reflecting broader discontent among public sector workers over wage adjustments. Officials are expected to engage with union leaders later this week to seek a resolution.