Punjab Government Faces Wave of Strikes by Workers and Youth

The Government of Punjab is currently contending with a series of coordinated protests from diverse labor and professional groups. Since July 21, over 20,000 technical employees of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited have been on strike, demanding a revised pay scale, Dearness Allowance, and the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme. Additionally, more than 20,000 sanitation workers are striking for improved wages, with the Municipal Mulazam Sangrash Committee threatening a statewide bandh on July 30 if their demands remain unmet.

Parallel to the labor unrest, the Berozgar Sanjha Morcha Punjab continues a dharna that began on December 25. On July 26, the group conducted a symbolic march toward the residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Sangrur, though police barricades blocked their progress. These job aspirants are seeking an increase in the upper age limit for government employment and a reduction in required graduation marks for teaching positions.

Minister Aman Arora has called for the power employees to end their walkout, noting that the disruption is causing hardship for farmers during the paddy transplantation season. While a high-level committee is currently deliberating on the power workers' demands, government ministers are scheduled to hold negotiations with the Berozgar Sanjha Morcha Punjab in Chandigarh on July 29.