Patiala (June 17):- Today, a monthly meeting of PRTC pensioners was held at the Old Bus Stand, Patiala, under the leadership of Pensioners Association Vice-Chairman Bachittar Singh and State President Bhagwant Singh Kanganwal. Pensioners from all PRTC depots participated in large numbers. Speakers condemned the Punjab government for ignoring the pensioners' demands.
State President Bhagwant Singh Kanganwal stated that in a meeting with the association's delegation in April, management had promised to release the pension on May 4, along with 6 months of medical arrears and installments of 2016 pay commission arrears. While the April pension and 5 months of medical bills were paid, the management remained silent on the 2016 pay commission arrears. Furthermore, instead of paying the full pension, they only paid 80%, which he termed a mockery. He demanded the immediate release of the remaining pension, full payment of medical bills, and pay commission arrears.
General Secretary Hari Singh Chamak noted that management has failed to honor its commitments. He highlighted that over 2,500 pensioners have passed away waiting for their arrears, leaving their families in distress. Many elderly pensioners are currently bedridden and struggling for medical treatment due to a lack of funds. He also demanded that PRTC buses be prioritized over the 'Kilometer Scheme' to stop the exploitation of the organization.
The speakers also extended support to the ongoing struggle of contractual employees, demanded the withdrawal of cases against them, and condemned the police lathi-charge on assistant linemen of the Electricity Board.
Vice-Chairman Bachittar Singh and State President Kanganwal warned the management that if the remaining 20% pension and outstanding arrears are not paid within a week, the pensioners will be forced to launch a rigorous struggle. The pensioners present expressed their full support for any future protest actions. The meeting was also addressed by various depot heads and union representatives, and the stage was managed by Bachan Singh Arora.