DW BUREAU / PATIALA

The Pensioner Doctors Association, Punjab (PDAP) formally launched a state vide agitation against the injustice being done by the Punjab Government with the Senior Citizen Pensioners of the state in general and the pensioner doctors in specific by holding a protest meeting in Patiala today, followed by a protest march in which a large number of pensioner doctors participated.

The PDAP declared that similar protests shall be organized in future in different parts of the state. The PDAP will co-ordinate with the Associations of In-Service Doctors and other Associations and Unions of pensioners & employees, to form a joint strategy, as they have also similar grievances. Prominent among those who addressed the gathering, included, Dr. D.C.Sharma, President PDAP, Dr.D.S.Bhullar, Vice President , Dr Surinder Singla General Secretary, Dr Surinder Singla, Dr Shashi Bhushan Pandhi Treasurer and Senior PDAP leaders DrMakhan Singh Sangrur and Dr. Gurmeet Singh Amritsar . The PDAP rejected the Punjab Government notification, to release the arrears of 2016 Punjab Pay Commission, in 42 small instalments, spreading payments up to the end of 2028, and instead demanded as lump-sum immediately along with 18% P.A. interest since 01.01.2016, the date of implementation of 6th Punjab Pay Commission. They stressed that they have every right to claim interest on the amount, since January, 2016 as the Government not only charges interest on the Commuted Pension paid to it's employees, but continues over recovering till 15 years though the entire amount with interest, is fully recovered within 10.8 years.

They emphasized that the needs of senior citizens are rather increased with age whereas their income shrinks. They have to spent more on health issues, nutrition, transport and other daily needs. The withholding of their money for 9 years, amounted to torture of these elderly citizens and it will be 13 years, by the time the Government releases all arrears.

(editor@dailyworld.in)