‘DA not charity’: Jakhar says Punjab govt should release dues without delay

Chandigarh: Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday said over three lakh employees and four lakh pensioners in Punjab were still awaiting their DA instalments and arrears, accusing the AAP govt of diverting public attention from the state's real issues by creating fresh narratives.Addressing a press conference, Jakhar said the High Court had directed the state govt to release Rs 15,000 crore in pending DA dues by June 30, but the govt had again approached the court. Referring to pre-poll promises made by Arvind Kejriwal, he alleged that people were still being forced to protest and face police action for jobs and other demands.He said the anti-employee face of the govt has been exposed because, for the first time since Independence, the very provision of granting DA is being challeneged. The AAP govt has reportedly argued that the govt is not bound to increase DA.Jakhar said: "DA is not charity for employees; it is their rightful entitlement, and the govt should release it without delay." He added that while the central govt, along with Haryana, Chandigarh and Rajasthan, is providing 60% DA, Punjab employees are receiving DA at only 42%.He said people voted for the BJP in West Bengal amid deteriorating law and order and the non-payment of DA to employees, and claimed Punjab was now witnessing a similar situation. He assured employees that the BJP would improve the situation, ensure timely DA payments and protect their interests.Replying to another question, he said the BJP was not afraid of any threats and that the safety of Punjab's people was the party's priority. He added that had the Congress acted responsibly, it might have retained some credibility, but instead it had "surrendered" before the AAP. Jakhar said Punjab needs strong leadership and that only the BJP can ensure the safety of life and property for the people. Referring to the BJP's governance record, he said just as Naxalism was curbed, gangsterism and drugs would also be eliminated from Punjab.Responding to another question, he said those who withdrew singer Sidhu Moosewala's security and publicised it, thereby becoming responsible for his murder, are today speaking about Diljit Dosanjh. He suggested that AAP leaders should first manage their own affairs.‘Won't allow AAP to hijack local body polls'Jakhar said fearing defeat in the local body elections, the Punjab govt and State Election Commission were attempting to conduct the elections through ballot papers instead of EVMs, allegedly to manipulate results as was done during panchayat elections. He noted that these elections were conducted through EVMs in the past. He said the BJP strongly opposes this decision and will file a petition with the State Election Commission regarding the matter. He added that the BJP will never allow attempts by the AAP to "hijack" local body elections to succeed.MSID:: 131039839 413 |