North News
Chandigarh, January 8
A Punjab Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, held a series of productive meetings on January 8 with employee unions to address their concerns. The discussions focused on a variety of issues ranging from financial demands to legal challenges.
During the meeting with the Meritorious Teachers Union, Cheema directed the Education Department to consider regularizing the services of these teachers and to prepare a financial report on their demands. The Finance Minister assured the unions that the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to addressing the needs of employees delivering exceptional services.
The committee also addressed the concerns of the Democratic Teachers Front by directing the Education Department to consult with the Advocate General’s Office on legal matters. Regarding the 3704 Adhiyapak Union, the committee requested a report from the Education Department after further discussions.
In response to the Khetibari Vidhyarthi Association’s call to include agriculture as a compulsory subject, the committee referred the matter to the Subject Expert Committee for review. The Purani Pension Prapti Morcha’s plea for the restoration of the old pension scheme was also discussed, with the committee informing the group that a decision will follow the completion of meetings by the officer committee.
On the issue of gratuity raised by the Anganwari Mulazam Union, the committee directed the Social Security, Women, and Child Development Department to seek legal advice before sending the matter to the Finance Department.
Representatives from various unions, including the Meritorious Teachers Union, Democratic Teachers Front, and others, participated in today’s discussions.
