The Punjab Government has taken emergency measures to ensure uninterrupted public services at Sewa Kendras, as the strike by employees entered its third week. Deputy commissioners across the state have been directed to arrange alternative manpower at the citizen service centres.
Government Directs District Administrations
In an urgent communication issued to all deputy commissioners, the government instructed district administrations to extend full support to M/s Terra CIS Technologies, the agency responsible for recruiting and training replacement staff for Sewa Kendras. This move comes amid growing public inconvenience, as thousands of citizens continue to struggle to access essential services.
District authorities have been asked to arrange suitable venues equipped with working computers and power backup facilities for conducting computer aptitude assessments and training sessions for newly hired Sewa Kendra operators. The exercise is scheduled to commence immediately, and administrations have been directed to identify colleges, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), or schools with functional computer laboratories.
The communication further directed deputy commissioners to depute officers at the training venues to ensure smooth conduct of the process and prevent any law and order issues.
Urgency Amid Ongoing Strike
Officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the communication was issued at short notice due to the ongoing strike by Sewa Kendra employees. The government's efforts aim to minimise disruption in the delivery of citizen-centric services, particularly those related to issuance of birth and death certificates, affidavits, domicile certificates, and other important documents.
The strike by Sewa Kendra employees has been ongoing since May 26, affecting the functioning of hundreds of service centres across Punjab. Thousands of people visiting the centres daily have reportedly been returning empty-handed as work remains suspended in many locations.
Employee Demands and Allegations
Parminder Singh, a leader representing the striking employees in Ropar, said the agitation involves around 2,200 workers employed at 543 Sewa Kendras across the state. All 23 Sewa Kendras in Ropar district are not functioning. He alleged that employees have been facing irregular payment of salaries for a long time.
“Generally, salaries are released after a gap of nearly three months. Employees are under severe financial stress due to the delay in payments,” he said.
The employees are demanding that the Punjab Government absorb them directly into government service rather than continuing the existing outsourcing arrangement. According to Parminder Singh, the workers have been providing services at Sewa Kendras for several years and deserve job security and regular employment benefits.
He also alleged that instead of addressing their concerns, the government is attempting to replace them with new recruits. “The government is now threatening to remove us from service despite our years of dedicated work,” he claimed.
Government’s Stance and Impact on Citizens
The government’s decision to train alternative staff signals its intent to maintain operations at Sewa Kendras despite the ongoing agitation. However, employee representatives have maintained that they will continue their protest until their demands regarding regularisation of services and timely payment of salaries are addressed.
As the deadlock persists, citizens remain the worst affected, with many forced to postpone important documentation work. The government’s emergency measures aim to restore services quickly, but the long-term resolution of the strike remains uncertain.
