Haryana Transport Union Demands Equal House Rent Allowance for Pinjore, Kalka Staff
A delegation from the Haryana State Transport Employees' Union has formally demanded that government employees stationed in Pinjore and Kalka receive the same house rent allowance (HRA) as their counterparts at the Panchkula district headquarters. This call for parity highlights a significant disparity in compensation, with employees in Panchkula currently enjoying a 16% HRA, while those in Pinjore and Kalka are limited to just 8%.
Delegation Meets Advocate Vijay Bansal to Push for Change
The union delegation, led by Surender Singh, recently met with Advocate Vijay Bansal, the state president of the Shivalik Vikas Manch. Following this meeting, Bansal submitted a detailed memorandum to the chief minister, urging immediate action to address what he describes as a discriminatory policy. Bansal emphasized that Panchkula benefits from a special status, granting it the higher 16% HRA despite having a population below 5 lakh, whereas Pinjore and Kalka employees continue to face the lower rate.
Arguments for HRA Parity and Broader Implications
Advocate Vijay Bansal argued that the current HRA structure is unjust, as it creates an unequal playing field for government workers performing similar duties in nearby areas. He pointed out that the cost of living and housing expenses in Pinjore and Kalka are comparable to those in Panchkula, making the disparity in allowances particularly unfair. The union's demand seeks not only to rectify this imbalance but also to set a precedent for equitable treatment of all state employees across Haryana.
This issue has sparked discussions among labor groups and policymakers, with many viewing it as a test case for broader reforms in government employee benefits. If successful, the push for HRA parity could lead to similar demands from other regions, potentially reshaping compensation policies statewide. The outcome of this memorandum is eagerly awaited, as it could significantly impact the financial well-being of hundreds of government staff in Pinjore and Kalka.
