Chandigarh: The Punjab govt on Tuesday said it respected the high court’s views and remained fully committed to the welfare of its employees and pensioners, adding that the matter concerning pending dearness allowance (DA) and dearness relief (DR) dues was already before the Supreme Court and its decision would be binding on all parties.Govt also emphasised that it had already announced an 8% hike in DA.The state govt’s press statement came shortly after the Punjab and Haryana high court directed the Punjab chief secretary to remain personally present before it, noting the state’s prima facie failure to comply with its earlier orders on paying pending dearness allowance (DA).“This matter is sub judice before the Supreme Court. All concerned should respect the judicial process and await the decision of the Apex Court. Whatever decision is passed by the Supreme Court will be binding on all parties. Despite this, CM Mann has taken a proactive step for the welfare of employees and pensioners by suo motu announcing an 8% increase in DA, taking the total DA rate to 50%, with an annual financial outlay of Rs 3,000 crore,” the statement read.It added, “The Punjab govt is an employee-friendly govt. We have listened to the concerns of employees and pensioners and have taken decisions accordingly. Even while the matter is before the Supreme Court, CM Mann has taken a decision in the interest of employees and pensioners by announcing an 8% increase in DA. This is a clear demonstration of the govt’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce.”The Punjab govt said the legal proceedings should not be misrepresented as a refusal to respect the judiciary. “The Punjab govt has approached the Supreme Court through the appropriate legal process. Exercising the constitutional right to seek relief from the Supreme Court cannot be described as disregard for the judiciary. We have complete faith in the judicial system and will abide by the final directions of the competent court,” govt stated.Govt reiterated that it would continue to work with employees and pensioners to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue while pursuing its legal remedy before the Supreme Court. “We respect the courts, we respect our employees, and we respect the legal process. The Govt of Punjab will always stand for the welfare of its employees and pensioners and will faithfully implement the final judicial directions,” the statement concluded.
