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Punjab govt staff protest 3% DA hike announced as Diwali gift by CM Bhagwant Mann
✍️ Livemint
🗓 06 Nov 2026, 08:38 AM
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Punjab government employees have expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's announcement of a 3% dearness allowance increase as a Diwali gift, calling it inadequate.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a 3% increase in dearness allowance (DA) for Punjab government employees as a Diwali gift. The decision, intended as a festive relief, has been met with criticism from the staff who argue that the hike does not keep pace with rising living costs.
Union and state-level employee unions have voiced that the modest raise fails to address inflationary pressures affecting daily expenses. They contend that a larger adjustment is required to maintain real wages and morale among the workforce.
The government, however, maintains that the 3% increment is fiscally prudent given the state's budget constraints. Officials say the measure is part of a broader package of benefits announced ahead of the festival season.
As the discontent spreads across departmental offices, employees are urging the administration to reconsider the amount and provide a more substantial relief before the end of the financial year.
Union and state-level employee unions have voiced that the modest raise fails to address inflationary pressures affecting daily expenses. They contend that a larger adjustment is required to maintain real wages and morale among the workforce.
The government, however, maintains that the 3% increment is fiscally prudent given the state's budget constraints. Officials say the measure is part of a broader package of benefits announced ahead of the festival season.
As the discontent spreads across departmental offices, employees are urging the administration to reconsider the amount and provide a more substantial relief before the end of the financial year.