Punjab Employee Protests Escalate to Parliament, Testing State Government

Punjab is experiencing a surge in protests by various employee groups, including power sector workers, sanitation staff, and healthcare personnel. The issues have moved from local demonstrations to being raised in Parliament, putting pressure on the Bhagwant Mann government.

Power employees, particularly outsourced workers with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), have been demanding regularisation of their jobs. Their strike has raised concerns about electricity services, as many field-level employees are not performing duties. Senior officials like Sub-Divisional Officers and Executive Engineers are managing responsibilities, but employees warn that staff shortages could affect the power supply system. A leader from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated that Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema is addressing these issues.

Sanitation workers across Punjab are also protesting, demanding regularisation of temporary staff and improved working conditions. The protests intensified after police actions during demonstrations in Barnala, Sangrur, and Khan. Congress Punjab President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring condemned the lathi-charge, stating, 'Punjab Congress stands firmly with the students and the people of Punjab. We strongly condemn the brutal lathi-charge on these Rabb De Bande (Safai Karamcharis).' Hardeep Singh Gill, Vice Chairman of the National Commission of Safai Karamchari, met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria regarding the matter, who reportedly said the file was linked to an ordinance.

In the health sector, doctors and staff at Aam Aadmi Clinics have begun an indefinite protest, demanding regularisation after years on contract, as well as benefits for government holidays and Sundays. This has affected patients who rely on these clinics for basic healthcare.

The controversy over alleged paper leaks has further complicated the government's position. Congress leaders accused the government of failing to protect students. Raja Warring said, 'In just four years, six paper leaks have shattered the dreams of nearly 5 lakh students.' The Punjab government has denied these allegations, maintaining that action is taken whenever irregularities are found.

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia attacked the government over the protests, saying, 'Drive out Delhi rulers, save Punjab.' He accused the AAP government of failing to resolve employee issues, citing no Dearness Allowance, no arrears, no regularisation, and baton charges. He raised issues for power employees, sanitation workers, health workers, transport employees, and other contractual staff.

The growing protests have become a major political challenge for the Punjab government, which must balance employee demands with maintaining essential services.