The Punjab and Haryana High Court declined to halt the directive for Punjab to release 58% dearness allowance (DA) for government employees and pensioners, aligning with senior government officers. The court indicated a willingness to extend the June 30 deadline for DA arrears release if the state government provides a clear payment schedule by May 25. Previously, a single bench had instructed Punjab to grant 58% DA to all employees and pensioners akin to top officers.
The High Court instructed the state government to present its response by May 25, following the earlier court ruling. The Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President, Sunil Jakhar, urged immediate disbursement of pending DA installments and arrears to employees and pensioners. Jakhar criticized the delay in implementing court orders and questioned the government’s borrowing of funds despite commitments made during the West Bengal elections.
State Congress Chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring emphasized that DA is the rightful due of employees and pensioners, criticizing the resistance by the Punjab government in fulfilling this obligation. He highlighted the substantial loans taken by the AAP government and questioned the prioritization of funds for publicity over employee payments.
