# Punjab government employee and pensioner strikes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-government-employee-and-pensioner-strikes
> Updated: 2026-09-09T02:31:37.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 4.

Approximately 300,000 government employees and 400,000 pensioners in Punjab initiated a statewide strike on August 27, organized by the Sanjha Mulazam Manch. The protest aims to pressure the Bhagwant Mann-led government to address long-standing demands, including the release of pending 18 percent Dearness Allowance (DA) installments, the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), and the regularization of contract workers.

In response to the ongoing unrest, a three-member Cabinet Sub-Committee—comprising Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Industries and Commerce Minister Aman Arora, and Social Security Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur—has recommended increasing the DA from 42% to 60% for approximately 85,000 employees. This proposal targets staff recruited after July 17, 2020, who follow the Central Government’s 7th Pay Commission pattern, aiming to align their benefits with Central Government rates. The recommendation awaits final approval from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

As the confrontation persists, employee organizations have extended their pen-down strike through September 11. Protesters are also demanding the withdrawal of show-cause notices issued for ‘unauthorized absences’ and the reversal of a transfer involving employee leader Sushil Kumar Fauji. 

The Punjab government has responded by enforcing a ‘no work, no pay’ policy. The Department of Personnel has issued strict directives to administrative secretaries to address employees who mark attendance but remain absent from their desks, noting that such behavior causes “administrative inconvenience to the public.” While ministerial employees in Chandigarh and Mohali have engaged in pen-down strikes, essential services such as schools, health institutions, and bus services reportedly remain operational.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Punjab government enforces ‘no work, no pay’ amid ongoing employee strike

The Punjab government has enforced a ‘no work, no pay’ rule as state employees extend their pen-down strike until September 11, protesting over DA arrears and recent disciplinary notices.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-government-enforces-no-work-no-pay-amid-ongoing-employee-strike

### 2026-09-04: Punjab government recommends DA hike to 60% for 85,000 employees

Punjab's cabinet sub-committee has recommended raising the Dearness Allowance from 42% to 60% for 85,000 government employees recruited after July 17, 2020, pending final approval from Chief Minister Bhagwant。

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-government-challenges-court-order-on-14191-crore-rupee-da-payment

### 2026-08-27: Punjab government employees strike disrupts public services

Punjab government employees have launched a statewide strike demanding pending Dearness Allowance and the Old Pension Scheme, disrupting hospital OPD services and various administrative offices.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-government-employees-strike-disrupts-hospital-services

### 2026-08-24: Punjab government employees and pensioners to strike on August 27

Over 700,000 Punjab government employees and pensioners will strike on August 27, demanding pending Dearness Allowance, the Old Pension Scheme, and regularization of contract workers.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/punjab-government-employees-announce-mass-strike-for-august-27

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Cite as: Punjab government employee and pensioner strikes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/punjab-government-employee-and-pensioner-strikes