Chandigarh (Daljit Ajnoha):- The Punjab Government has deprived thousands of pensioners of the 2.59 fitment factor, amounting to a major betrayal and an insult to senior citizens. Former Punjab BJP State President Vijay Sampla alleged that the Mann government had betrayed around 3.5 lakh pensioners.
He said that pensioners, who are senior citizens of society, are being forced to struggle on the streets due to the government's actions. The Punjab Sixth Pay Commission had recommended revision of pension with a 2.59 fitment factor, but the government revised pensions at a lower rate, causing them substantial financial loss. Pensioners have been struggling for the past four and a half years. At a stage when they have reached the final phase of their lives, the government is making them suffer and face harassment. While the government is denying pensioners the benefit of the 2.59 fitment factor as recommended by the Pay Commission, attempts are also being made to deprive them of Dearness Allowance (DA). Vijay Sampla said that pensioners are also fighting their battle for the 2.59 fitment factor in the High Court, but the government continues to adopt a rigid stance.
He said that before the elections, Aam Aadmi Party leaders had repeatedly promised to ensure justice for pensioners if their party formed the government. However, during the nearly five years of its tenure, the government had failed to deliver justice and had betrayed this section of society. He alleged that the Mann government had broken its promises to every section of employees and pensioners, forcing lakhs of them to fight legal battles and stage protests on the streets. Vijay Sampla said that if the BJP forms the government in Punjab, the demand of pensioners for the 2.59 fitment factor would be fulfilled, along with the resolution of all their other legitimate issues.
