Unique protest by Edu Dept staff over Rs 31k monthly salary cut

Office employees of the Education Department, who have been protesting against the salary cut of Rs 31,000 per month in their salaries, staged a unique protest demonstration in Jalandhar today.

Placing a golak (treasure chest) bearing the words 'Punjab Sarkar Da Dhidd (Khazana) Bharo' ('Fill the bellies (coffers) of the state government') at the protest site, they said they were protesting against the government which isn't even satiated after 31,000 Rs salary cuts in their allowances.

The employees also took out a protest march from the District Education Officer Primary Office to the DC Office in Jalandhar where the common people were asked to fill the golak. They demanded the government withdraw the decision to cut their salary.

Workers said after the cabinet meeting on September 8, 2025 led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Minister Harjot Bains repeatedly instructed the officials not to reduce salaries and to take a concrete decision, but the orders of the government were ignored by the officials of the education department.

Leaders of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Mid-Day Meal Office Employees Union said if no decision is taken in the meeting to be held with Finance Minister Harpal Cheema today regarding salary deduction, then the employees will be forced to take action and hold stirs at houses of the CM, Finance Minister and Education Minister.