DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Finance Minister Advoacte Harpal Singh Cheema held a series of meetings today with representatives from the 'Powercom and Transco Theka Mulazm Union', 'Computer Adhiyapak Bhukh Hartal Sangharsh Committee', 'Computer Adhiyapak Union', 'Berujgar Sanjha Morcha', and 'Bharat Netraheen Sewak Samaj'. The discussions focused on the demands and issues raised by these unions, with the Minister taking proactive steps towards their resolution.

During the meeting with Bharat Netraheen Sewak Samaj, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directed the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department to explore the possibility of opening a new school for the visually impaired in the state. Additionally, he asked the department to study staff and other requirements of the existing school in Jamalpur, Ludhiana. He instructed that a detailed report be prepared and submitted to the Finance Department to ensure necessary budgetary provisions for the financial year 2025-26.

In the meeting with the Powercom and Transco Contract Employees Union, the union representatives highlighted the challenges faced by employees working on an outsourced basis in PSPCL and PSTCL. The Finance Minister instructed the Power Department to convene a meeting with the union to address their legitimate demands. He assured that the outcomes of this meeting would be discussed in the next Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting to expedite the resolution of the union's primary concerns.

The Computer Teachers Hunger Strike Sangharsh Committee and the Computer Teachers Union also met with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The Minister assured the union leaders that the Finance Department is seriously considering their demand for dearness allowance. He also confirmed that other legitimate demands of the computer teachers are under active consideration.

The Berujgar Sanjha Morcha, Punjab, raised concerns regarding the filling of vacant posts in the Education and Health Departments and requested relaxation of the age limit in recruitment. The Finance Minister directed the Education Department to hold a meeting with legal experts and representatives of the front to assess the legal validity of these demands and to find a proper and lawful solution.

Today's meetings were attended by State President Balihar Singh, State Assistant Secretary Tek Chand, and State Office Secretary Sher Singh from the Powercom and Transco Contract Employees Union; Paramveer Singh and Pradeep Kumar from the Computer Adhiyapak Bhukh Hartal Sangharsh Committee.

(editor@dailyworld.in)