KAP Sinha promises to withdraw show-cause notices, ending Punjab strike
Punjab's massive government employee strike is over, thanks to Chief Secretary KAP Sinha promising to withdraw show-cause notices against staff who took mass leave on August 27.
Over 300,000 workers joined the protest, demanding pending 18% Dearness Allowance (DA) payments and other demands.
The state had first called their leave "unauthorized" and threatened action, but changed course after meeting with employee leaders.
Punjab government challenges High Court order
Even though the strike ended, big issues remain. Employees want DA arrears paid in full (as ordered by the High Court), restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, regular jobs for contract staff, and fair wages for midday meal and Anganwadi workers.
The government did offer a DA bump for newer recruits, but says paying all arrears would cost ₹14,191 crore, so they are challenging the court order in the Supreme Court.