Pledges Time-Bound Resolution of Key Issues
CHANDIGARH, November 10
Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to resolve employee issues, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, on Monday held an extensive series of meetings with representatives from 47 different employee unions. The marathon deliberations, lasting over five hours, underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the long-pending concerns of the state workforce and fostering a transparent, employee-centric administration.
The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema gave a patient and sympathetic hearing to the representatives of all 47 Unions, which included representatives from departments like Education, Health, Water Supply, Power, Contract Employees, and Joint Fronts. The core issues raised by the unions revolved primarily around the regularisation of contractual and outsourced employees, with the Minister assuring a sympathetic review under the existing legal framework.
To ensure time-bound action, Finance Minister Cheema issued crucial directions to the administrative departments. Firstly, administrative departments have been strictly instructed to actively involve union representatives in the process of drafting any policy proposals related to employee welfare before finalisation. This step aims to incorporate ground realities and eliminate future ambiguities. Secondly, Senior officials were directed to immediately resolve all issues that fall within the scope of departmental-level action. Finally, for complex matters involving legal and financial implications, departments were asked to coordinate closely with the offices of the Advocate General, the Department of Personnel, and the Finance Department to ensure early resolution.
Reaffirming the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s mandate, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Bhagwant Mann-led government is committed to the welfare of every employee and aims to move beyond mere assurances and provide clear, actionable, and time-bound resolutions. He assured the union representatives that the outcomes of today’s comprehensive discussions will be converted into actionable efforts to resolve legitimate demands and issues at the earliest. He said the state government is working diligently to create a harmonious, productive work environment that benefits both employees and the state.
