Power sector panel slams PSPCL for challenging HC order on DA, DR arrears

Patiala: The Power Sector Joint Action Committee (PSJAC) on Monday criticised Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for challenging the Punjab and Haryana high court's directions on releasing Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears in Patiala.The committee expressed concern over the PSPCL's decision to contest the order, citing regulatory and financial constraints under the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC).The union members said that despite the management recently projecting profits of Rs 7,800 crore, it cited financial constraints before the court to justify withholding the dues. "Such contradictory positions raise serious questions about the credibility of the corporation's claims," they added.The union added that the PSPCL also took a "U-turn" from its earlier stand before the high court, where it reportedly submitted that DA and DR benefits would be granted in accordance with the Punjab govt's pattern.Emphasising that DA and DR were statutory entitlements, the union meambers said any attempt to deny these benefits by citing differences in revenue sources or regulatory frameworks went against the principles of equity and natural justice.Warning that prolonged litigation could damage trust and lead to organisational unrest, the union urged the PSPCL management to immediately withdraw its plea and implement the directions in both letter and spirit."Engineers, employees, and pensioners stand united in defending their rightful dues," said Er Ajay Pal Singh Atwal, secretary of the Joint Action Committee.The PSJAC comprises several employee and pensioner bodies, including the PSEB Engineers' Association, the Council of Junior Engineers, and various officers' and pensioners' welfare associations.Director Finance SK Beri could not be contacted for comments.However, CMD, PSPCL, Basant Garg said, "The policy will be the same as that for other Punjab govt employees, and cannot be made separate for PSPCL staff."MSID:: 130800832 413 |
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