PolityGS-II· 1 min read
Punjab Government Faces Criticism Over Employee Protests and Unfulfilled Promises
Why in news?
The BJP has accused the AAP government in Punjab of suppressing government employees and failing to deliver on its 2022 election promises regarding regularisation, Dearness Allowance (DA), and the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
Key points
- Thousands of government employees and pensioners are protesting across Punjab.
- Demands include job regularisation, release of pending DA, and restoration of OPS.
- BJP alleges the AAP government has not fulfilled its electoral promises.
- Protests have been met with alleged repression, including baton-charges.
Background & context
The Old Pension Scheme (OPS) is a defined benefit pension scheme, while the National Pension System (NPS) is a market-linked defined contribution scheme. Many state governments are facing pressure to revert to OPS.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Dearness Allowance (DA) is a component of salary paid to government employees to offset the impact of inflation.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice, Polity