The Power Sector Joint Action Committee (PSJAC) on Monday strongly criticized the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) for challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court's directions regarding the release of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) arrears in Patiala.
Union Expresses Concern Over PSPCL's Legal Challenge
The committee expressed grave concern over PSPCL's decision to contest the court order, citing regulatory and financial constraints under the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC). Union members pointed out that despite the management recently projecting profits of Rs 7,800 crore, it cited financial limitations before the court to justify withholding the dues. “Such contradictory positions raise serious questions about the credibility of the corporation's claims,” they added.
Alleged U-Turn in PSPCL's Stance
The union further alleged that PSPCL made 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 government's pattern. Emphasizing that DA and DR are statutory entitlements, the union members stated that any attempt to deny these benefits by citing differences in revenue sources or regulatory frameworks goes against the principles of equity and natural justice.
Call for Immediate Withdrawal of Plea
Warning that prolonged litigation could damage trust and lead to organizational unrest, the union urged PSPCL management to immediately withdraw its plea and implement the court's 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.
PSPCL Management Response
Director Finance SK Beri could not be contacted for comments. However, CMD PSPCL Basant Garg stated, “The policy will be the same as that for other Punjab government employees, and cannot be made separate for PSPCL staff.”
