Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to meet unions over DA arrears
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is finally sitting down with union leaders on Friday to talk about the ongoing dearness allowance (DA) arrears issue.
The meeting, happening at the chief minister's residence in Chandigarh, comes after a previous attempt fell through when unions wouldn't pause their strike for talks.
Unpaid DA arrears total ₹20,191 cr
This standoff affects over 700,000 employees and pensioners, with unpaid DA arrears piling up to ₹20,191 crore, a huge hit for the state budget.
Even though a court ordered the government to pay by August 18, officials have appealed to the Supreme Court instead.
If things don't get sorted soon, 153 different employee unions and associations are ready with protests through October.
Union leaders say they're hopeful that direct talks with the chief minister will finally lead to a solution.