Sunil Jakhar has urged the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government to immediately release pending dearness allowance (DA) installments and arrears for state employees and pensioners following a recent development in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In a post shared on social media platform X, Jakhar questioned the delay in releasing the dues after the High Court reportedly declined to stay earlier directions related to DA payments. He also referred to the state government’s recent borrowing and asked why employees were still waiting for their rightful benefits.
The Punjab BJP chief said DA is not a favour or charity but a legitimate entitlement of government employees and pensioners. He criticised the state government for allegedly spending large sums on advertisements while delaying payments owed to employees.
Jakhar further claimed that over three lakh government employees and around four lakh pensioners in Punjab are awaiting DA installments and arrears amounting to nearly Rs 15,000 crore. According to him, the High Court had directed the government to clear the dues by June 30.
Drawing comparisons with other states, Jakhar said employees in states such as Haryana, Rajasthan, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, along with Central government employees, are receiving 60 per cent DA, while Punjab employees currently receive only 42 per cent.
He also accused the Punjab government of taking an anti-employee stand by challenging the provision related to DA enhancement in court. According to Jakhar, the government’s position has raised concerns among employees and pensioners across the state.
The BJP leader additionally targeted Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal over pre-election promises made to government workers, alleging that many assurances remain unfulfilled.
Jakhar reiterated that the BJP would prioritise employee welfare and timely DA payments if voted to power in Punjab in the future.