Hoshiarpur: A delegation of the Punjab Government Pensioners' Joint Front today submitted a detailed memorandum to Assistant Commissioner Captain Gurpreet Kaur, addressed to the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister of Punjab, demanding the immediate resolution of long-pending grievances of pensioners. The memorandum states that despite the implementation of revised pay scales effective from January 1, 2016, all related benefits have not been provided to pensioners, leading to deep disappointment among retired employees and their families.
Front leaders demanded that pensioners be granted revised pensions, dearness relief, and other financial benefits in accordance with Central Government guidelines and various court rulings. The memorandum demands the re-fixation (notional fixation) of pensions for those who retired between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2021, along with the payment of arrears including interest. Additionally, it calls for the immediate release of extra benefits for pensioners aged 85 and above.
The Front further demanded the release of all dearness relief installments due since July 1, 2021, without any deduction, with the payment of all arrears ensured by June 30, 2026. Other demands include increasing the fixed medical allowance to ?2,000 per month and implementing revised decisions regarding travel allowances, including those related to court cases pending from July 31, 2003, to October 30, 2006.
The Pensioners' Joint Front highlighted that despite orders from the Punjab and Haryana High Court and other courts, pensioners are being denied their statutory rights in several cases. They urged the government to settle all pending cases as per court verdicts and Finance Department instructions. The delegation clarified that if the government fails to take a positive decision, pensioners across the state will decide their next strategy in a meeting on June 17, 2026.
If necessary, a widespread protest and agitation program will be chalked out, for which the Punjab Government will be held solely responsible. The Front expressed hope that the government would take the pensioners' problems seriously and take concrete steps soon to provide relief to lakhs of retired employees and their families.