On Tuesday, Punjab’s Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema held crucial discussions with representatives from multiple unions, including the 'Powercom and Transco Theka Mulazm Union', 'Computer Adhiyapak Bhukh Hartal Sangharsh Committee', 'Computer Adhiyapak Union', 'Berujgar Sanjha Morcha', and 'Bharat Netraheen Sewak Samaj'. The discussions were centered around the pressing demands and concerns raised by these unions, with Minister Cheema taking significant steps to address and resolve their issues.
One of the key discussions was with the Bharat Netraheen Sewak Samaj, where the Finance Minister instructed the Social Security, Women, and Child Development Department to explore the possibility of opening a new school for the visually impaired. He also directed the department to evaluate the staff and infrastructure needs of the existing school in Jamalpur, Ludhiana. Minister Cheema emphasized the importance of preparing a detailed report that would help in ensuring the necessary budgetary provisions for the financial year 2025-26.
In a separate meeting, the Powercom and Transco Contract Employees Union representatives raised concerns regarding the working conditions of employees on an outsourced basis in PSPCL and PSTCL. The Finance Minister assured the union members that their challenges would be taken into consideration, and appropriate actions would be initiated.
The Finance Minister also met with the Computer Teachers Hunger Strike Sangharsh Committee and the Computer Teachers Union, who presented their demands for a dearness allowance. Minister Cheema assured the union leaders that their demands were under serious consideration by the Finance Department. He also confirmed that other valid requests from the computer teachers were being reviewed and addressed.
Additionally, the Berujgar Sanjha Morcha, Punjab, raised the issue of vacant posts in the Education and Health Departments and called for relaxation of age limits in recruitment. The Finance Minister directed the Education Department to convene a meeting with legal experts and union representatives to examine the legal validity of the demands and find an appropriate solution within the legal framework.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s proactive approach to these meetings demonstrates the Punjab government's commitment to resolving labour-related issues and ensuring that the demands of workers are heard and addressed in a timely manner. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to provide significant relief and better prospects for the affected unions and workers across the state.
