Punjab engineers' association backs demands of doctors, writes to Chief Minister

Members of the PSEB Engineers Association have written to the Chief Minister, appealing that there was an urgent need to recognise and value professional expertise in Punjab and urged him to accept the genuine demands of the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association.

“In recent times, there has been a troubling trend where the valuable insights, recommendations and concerns of professionals are not being given due consideration in the decision-making processes, and their professional status is being compromised."

“In recent times, there has been a troubling trend where the valuable insights, recommendations and concerns of professionals are not being given due consideration in the decision-making processes, and their professional status is being compromised. It sends a concerning message about the value placed on specialised knowledge and experience, which is discouraging highly talented individuals from contributing to public service and compromising the overall efficiency of state machinery,” stated Ajay Pal Singh Atwal, association general secretary in the letter.

The letter refers to the recent outcry from “our doctors... who have been compelled to resort to protests in order to restore their professional dignity and address their legitimate concerns".

“Similar treatment is being meted out to the professionals in the power sector as well. The denial of starting scales and the imposition of a three-year mandatory basic pay period has led to PSPCL's failure in meeting its recruitment targets for qualified engineers. Last year, only 60 engineers joined against 125 advertised posts, and with only 19 engineers expected to join out of a target of 40 in the current year, this will leave a significant number of critical positions unfilled,” he said.

“The denial of time-bound scales, non-payment of arrears, and failure to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) have further aggravated the situation for engineers. These unresolved issues have compounded dissatisfaction within the cadre, making it increasingly difficult to retain and attract qualified professionals in the power sector,” the letter stated.