CHANDIGARH: Punjab’s public services returned to normal on Tuesday after the Bhagwant Mann Government successfully brokered an agreement with striking employees of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs), bringing an end to days of disruption across the state.
Announcing the breakthrough, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the government had resolved several key demands of employee unions following two days of intensive negotiations, paving the way for the restoration of power and healthcare services. The minister, who chairs the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Employee Issues and Demands, described the agreement as a reflection of the government’s commitment to dialogue and consensus-driven governance.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cheema said all 16 unions representing PSPCL employees had officially withdrawn their strike after marathon discussions involving Power Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, senior management of the power utility and representatives of the employee organisations.
According to the Finance Minister, the negotiations culminated in a consensus after a prolonged meeting at the PSPCL headquarters in Patiala, where both sides agreed on a roadmap to address pending financial and service-related issues. To examine the financial implications of the employees’ demands, the government has constituted a dedicated financial committee, which has been tasked with submitting its recommendations by August 15.
Cheema said the committee would evaluate the financial aspects of the demands and recommend a sustainable framework that balances employee welfare with the state’s fiscal priorities.
The government also announced a significant breakthrough in the health sector, where employees of Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Clinics have resumed work after the administration accepted one of their principal demands. The government agreed to recognise the service experience of clinic staff during future recruitment to regular government posts, a long-standing demand raised by employees. Other administrative issues remain under active consideration.
With the resolution of the dispute, all Aam Aadmi Clinics across Punjab have resumed normal operations, ensuring uninterrupted access to primary healthcare services for thousands of patients.
Cheema further stated that discussions with sanitation and sewerage board employees had also yielded positive results, with key unions withdrawing their protest calls after meetings held with the Finance Department and the Local Government Department.
Highlighting another major policy initiative, the Finance Minister said the Punjab Government has submitted an ordinance to the Governor proposing the transition of outsourced employees into contractual positions. The move, he said, is intended to strengthen job security and improve service conditions for thousands of workers serving in various government departments.
The proposed ordinance is expected to provide greater employment stability while creating a more structured framework for workforce management across the state.
Describing the developments as an important step towards strengthening industrial harmony, Cheema said the government remains committed to addressing employee concerns through constructive engagement rather than confrontation. He added that ensuring uninterrupted public services while protecting the legitimate interests of government employees would continue to remain a priority for the Bhagwant Mann administration.
The successful resolution of the disputes has restored normal functioning in Punjab’s electricity distribution network, primary healthcare centres and several civic services, offering relief to citizens who were affected by the industrial action. The government expressed confidence that the agreements reached through dialogue would help foster a more stable and cooperative working environment across public sector institutions.
This is a web generated news report.
