Punjab government staff strike

Notes

• Punjab government ministerial staff conducted a 'pen-down strike' following a dispute over mass casual leave taken on August 27.
• The state government initially responded by labeling the leave as 'unauthorised' and threatened to implement a 'no work, no pay' policy.
• The strike was organized by the Sanjha Mulazam Manch Punjab, representing employees across state directorates and offices.
• The strike was called off following an assurance from the Chief Secretary that disciplinary show-cause notices would be revoked and the 'no work, no pay' policy would not be enforced.
• Core demands of the employee unions include the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), release of 18% pending Dearness Allowance (DA), and the regularisation of contractual employees.
• The state government has committed to scheduling a future meeting between the Chief Minister and employee representatives to discuss these long-standing demands.

Part of a longer story

This is day 6 of 6 in Punjab civil unrest and governance challenges, which has been running since 8 August 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

• Punjab government challenges High Court order on DA dues Before
• The whole story 6 entries