Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Punjab Employees Protest AAP Over DA Dues
Government workers in Punjab are very upset because they haven't been paid raises they were promised.
These raises, called dearness allowance (DA), add up to 16% of their salary and have been waiting since mid-2023.
On Lohri, which is a festival, the workers protested in their offices.
They said they are so frustrated that they are declaring 2026 as a year where they will protest and not cooperate with the government until they get their money.
The government is expected to announce another raise soon, which will make the workers' situation even worse if they don't get the money they're owed.
Punjab clerical employees protested against the AAP government over non-payment of five pending DA instalments.
The protest was held on Lohri, declaring 2026 as a 'year of protest' and 'non-cooperation year'.
The pending DA instalments amount to 16% of the basic salary, accumulated since mid-2023.
The protest was organized by the Punjab State Ministerial Service Union and Civil Secretariat Ministerial Union.
The Centre is expected to announce the sixth DA instalment later in January 2024.
- Who
- Punjab clerical employees, including Punjab State Ministerial Service Union and Civil Secretariat Ministerial Union
- What
- Protest against AAP government over non-payment of five pending DA instalments
- When
- January 16, 2024 (Lohri)
- Where
- Punjab Civil Secretariat and government offices across Punjab
- Why
- Accumulated DA dues since mid-2023, amounting to 16% of basic salary, and disillusionment with the AAP government
- Protest Date
- January 16, 2024 (Lohri)
- Protesting Groups
- Punjab State Ministerial Service Union, Civil Secretariat Ministerial Union
- Pending DA Instalments
- 5
- DA Percentage
- 16% of basic salary
- Protest Declaration
- 2026 as 'year of protest' and 'non-cooperation year'
- Expected 6th DA Instalment
- Later in January 2024
