Calling DA hike 'Diwali gift' a cruel joke on employees: DTF

Democratic Teachers Front (DTF) Punjab has strongly opposed the Punjab Government's decision to release a 3 percent installment of dearness allowance (DA) and call it a 'Diwali gift'. The outfit termed this statement by the government as misleading and a cruel joke on employees.

State President Vikram Dev Singh, General Secretary Mohinder Kaurianwali and Finance Secretary Ashwani Avasthi, issuing a joint statement, said that dearness allowance is neither government charity nor a gift. It is the rightful entitlement of employees facing the brunt of inflation, and giving it on time is the government's duty. They alleged that the government is merely doing propaganda by giving an incomplete installment belatedly.

DTF leaders questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as to why the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) has not been implemented on the ground despite promises made by the government. They also asked what the hurdle is in revoking the government decision of July 17, 2020 and restoring the state's old grades instead of the central structure.

The outfit condemned the step of removing 253 teachers from jobs. Along with this, the demand to regularize contractual, special cadre, computer and NSQF teachers with full pay scales was reiterated.

The leaders advocated giving due remuneration under the Minimum Wages Act to mid-day meal workers, including Anganwadi and Asha workers. They also demanded bringing a concrete recruitment plan for unemployed youth struggling on the streets for jobs.

The outfit warned that by giving a meager portion of employees' pending dues, the government cannot divert attention from real issues, and if demands are not resolved, the agitation will be intensified. It is worth mentioning that the Chief Minister had announced increasing the DA for employees and pensioners from 50 to 53 percent the previous day.

Key developments

• DTF opposed calling 3 percent DA a 'Diwali gift'
• Called dearness allowance a legal right of employees
• Raised demand for old pension and implementation of Punjab pay scales
• Cornered government on removal of 253 teachers and issues of contractual workers