Now Reading: Water cannons on Punjab govt employees as protest called off after talks
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Water cannons on Punjab govt employees as protest called off after talks
Water cannons on Punjab govt employees as protest called off after talks
Police used water cannons on thousands of Punjab government employees and pensioners who tried to march towards the state assembly in Chandigarh on Friday. The protest, organised by the Sanjha Mulazam Manch,…
The Story in Brief
Police used water cannons on thousands of Punjab government employees and pensioners who tried to march towards the state assembly in Chandigarh on Friday. The protest, organised by the Sanjha Mulazam Manch, saw over 20,000 employees from 58 associations gather at Sector 39's Dana Mandi ground. Tension escalated when some protesters breached barricades, prompting police action.
The rally was called off after the government assured a meeting on August 27 to discuss demands including 18% Dearness Allowance arrears, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, and implementation of the Assured Career Progression scheme. The employees had also raised issues of contractual workers' regularisation and withdrawal of certain notifications. Union leaders said they expect concrete decisions from the upcoming talks.
The Indian Opinion
The opposition is quick to paint this as proof of the AAP government's failure, but the employees themselves suspended the protest after the government agreed to talks on August 27. The real test will be whether that meeting produces concrete timelines for the 18% Dearness Allowance arrears and Old Pension Scheme restoration. Until then, both sides are playing politics with the livelihoods of Punjab's government staff.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
