Chandigarh, September 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora on Monday termed the proposed employees’ strike illegal, saying the broader issue of dearness allowance (DA) is already pending before the Supreme Court and the state government will take action according to law if disruption causes inconvenience to the public.
Arora said the Bhagwant Mann-led government remained committed to addressing employees’ genuine concerns through dialogue, but also had a responsibility to protect essential public services and safeguard the interests of nearly three crore Punjabis.
“I appeal to our employees not to become a political tool. We are on the same side,” Arora said, urging employee organisations to continue discussions with the government rather than resort to a strike while the matter remains sub-judice.
He said the government had already addressed the DA demand of around 85,000 employees recruited after July 17, 2020, by deciding to increase their DA from 42 per cent to 60 per cent.
“For the remaining employees also, our position has been clear: the government is willing to ensure parity with comparable Central Government employees in terms of actual salary, within the applicable legal and financial framework,” he said.
On the pending litigation, Arora said the government had placed its complete position before the Supreme Court and would abide by the apex court’s final decision on DA and arrears.
The minister also highlighted Punjab’s financial constraints, saying approximately 51 per cent of the state’s revenue receipts are spent on salaries and pensions, compared with an all-India average of around 38 per cent. He said this was the highest proportion among major states, while committed liabilities, including interest, account for approximately 82 per cent of revenue receipts.
Arora said the government had not denied admitted arrears owed to employees and pensioners and had formulated a structured mechanism for their clearance. The objective, he said, was to ensure that every legitimate due was paid while keeping Punjab’s financial capacity and the constitutional process governing expenditure from the Consolidated Fund in view.
He reiterated that employees and the people of Punjab were not opposing sides and said the government’s approach would remain centred on dialogue, respect and responsibility.
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