Pensioners’ union to hold agitation in Mohali on Oct 22

Angered at the government for not accepting their long-pending demands, members of the Punjab Government Pensioners’ Union will hold an agitation in Mohali on October 22.

The decision was taken during a largely attended meeting of pensioners which was held at Ram Bagh Garden (Company Bagh) under the leadership of Madan Gopal here on Sunday evening.

Addressing the gathering, union general secretary Madan Lal Manan said the agitation has been planned to be held in Mohali and called upon the pensioners to take part in large numbers to impress upon the government to accept their demands at the earliest.

Union members Sukhdev Raj Kalia and Gursharan Jit Singh said the pensioners and government employees were drawing 12 per cent less dearness allowance as compared to the Central Government employees and the pensioners of the neighbouring states, which is a clear cut discrimination against the Punjab Government pensioners and employees. Despite repeated genuine and judicious demands presented to the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government, they did not pay heed. Cashless medical facility and the Old Pension Scheme are not being implemented.

Kartar Singh and Principal Sohan Lal said the arrears of the Pay Commission have not been released. They condemned the Chief Minister for postponing the meeting with pensioners and employees for more than five times.