Rally marks day 44 of relay hunger strike at PUDA Bhawan, Mohali; protesters torch effigy of Chief Administrator

“Employees recruited in PUDA before April 1, 2004 must be brought under the Old Pension Scheme without delay. The bonus/ex gratia that was unfairly deducted must be released immediately for the last two years,” said one of the leaders.

The union leaders demanded that all daily-wage, outsourced, through-contract, and contract-based workers who have been working since October 5, 2015, across PUDA and all development authorities, be regularised. They insisted that these workers be given all facilities mandated by the Punjab Labour Department, including gazetted holidays, bonus, ex gratia, EPF, ESI and gratuity.

They also sought medical reimbursement for retired employees, restoration of the 25% house rent allowance, and vacating departmental flats currently under illegal occupation so they can be allotted to eligible staff. The employees also demanded that 10% reservation be ensured for staff in plot allotments, and that all dues for retirees be cleared on time.

The protesters urged the government to immediately release the pending 16% dearness allowance, regularise contractual employees, and reinstate the Old Pension Scheme.

The union announced that an effigy-burning protest will be held outside the residence of Chief Engineer Anuj Sehgal.