Employee unions stage protest against govt policies in Kapurthala
Members of the Punjab State Ministerial Service Union (PSMSU) and the CPF Employees Union (CPFEU), Kapurthala, staged a demonstration at the DC Complex here on Thursday to protest against what they described as anti-employee policies of the state government.
The protest programme was organised under the leadership of Sangat Ram Bagi, District President of the CPF Employees Union, Kapurthala. A large number of employees from various departments gathered at the complex and raised slogans against several government notifications which, according to the unions, adversely affect employees’ rights and service conditions.
During the demonstration, union representatives strongly opposed the New Pension Scheme (NPS) notification implemented in 2004, the three-year basic pay condition introduced in 2015 and the Central Pay Commission notification issued on July 17, 2020, concerning newly appointed employees. The unions also expressed their dissatisfaction over the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) notification, stating that such measures place additional burdens on employees and create uncertainty regarding their service benefits.
Addressing the gathering, union leaders alleged that these policies undermine job security and long-term financial stability for government employees. They urged the state government to review and withdraw the controversial notifications and to adopt employee-friendly policies in consultation with staff representatives.
Following the protest at the DC Complex, the participants marched towards the Kapurthala–Kartarpur Road near village Daburji, where they symbolically burnt copies of the disputed notifications as a mark of protest. The demonstration concluded after union leaders reiterated their demands and warned that further agitation could be launched if the issues remain unresolved.
The protest ended peacefully, with participants dispersing after the programme. Authorities confirmed that the law and order situation in the area remained normal and under control throughout the demonstration.
