Chandigarh: Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government over the issue of Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees and pensioners, alleging that the government has failed to honour their legitimate financial rights.
Reacting to the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order regarding DA, Khaira said that if the Punjab government decides to challenge the order in the Supreme Court, it would send a message that the Bhagwant Mann government and AAP leadership are “anti-employees and pensioners.” He alleged that the government’s approach reflects a lack of sensitivity towards thousands of employees and retired government servants who have been waiting for their dues.
Khaira questioned why the state government, which he alleged has spent thousands of crores on various welfare schemes and free announcements aimed at gaining public support, has not cleared pending DA payments owed to employees and pensioners.
“For the last four and a half years, employees and pensioners have been waiting for their legitimate rights,” Khaira said, accusing the AAP government of ignoring the financial concerns of those who have served the state.
The Congress leader’s remarks have added another dimension to the ongoing debate over Punjab’s financial management. Opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns about the state’s debt burden, government expenditure and the balance between welfare schemes and financial commitments.
Government employees’ organisations have also been demanding the release of pending dues, arguing that DA is not a favour but a statutory entitlement linked to inflation and the rising cost of living.
The AAP government, however, has maintained that it is committed to employee welfare while managing Punjab’s difficult financial situation. The government has highlighted its development and welfare initiatives, while stating that financial decisions must be taken keeping the state’s economic position in mind.
With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, issues related to employees, pensioners, government finances and welfare spending are expected to become major political talking points. The DA dispute could further intensify the confrontation between the ruling AAP and opposition parties in the coming months