Former Health Minister and senior Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu welcomed the historic decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court directing the state government to pay pending dues of the Sixth Pay Commission and outstanding installments of Dearness Allowance to its employees and pensioners along with 6 percent interest. He described the decision as a major victory for employees.
In a statement issued to the press here today, Mr. Sidhu said that the court has shown a mirror to the Bhagwant Mann government, which repeatedly claims that the state treasury is full. He said the court’s observation is extremely serious: *“Crushing employees’ rights by citing financial crisis is the height of irresponsibility, negligence, and insensitivity on the part of the government.”*
He further stated that it is very unfortunate that nearly 35,000 employees and pensioners passed away while waiting for the installments of their rightful earnings. This figure, he said, is a living proof of the government’s failure.
The senior Congress leader appreciated the crucial role of employees in the administrative structure of any government in Punjab, saying, *“Employees are the backbone of the state. Whether it is the health department, education, or any other administrative unit, the state functions because of the day-and-night efforts of these employees.
It is the duty of every government to ensure that their dues are paid on time rather than forcing them onto the streets.”* Mr. Sidhu added that the 6 percent interest imposed by the court confirms that the government has committed serious injustice toward employees.
He said the Punjab government should implement the decision immediately without any further delay and ensure that the pending dues are deposited into employees’ accounts at the earliest. The Congress leader stated that his party and he personally have always stood with employees and will continue to stand with them in the future.