Massive demonstration by Punjab government employees in Chandigarh demanding 18% DA

August 7, 2026

Chandigarh: Thousands of employees from over 50 Punjab government departments participated in a massive rally in Sector 39, Chandigarh, on Friday, demanding the release of the pending 18% dearness allowance (DA). Employees from the state civil secretariat, district offices, revenue, transport, education, universities, and other departments participated in the protest.

According to employee organizations, employees from all 23 districts of the state arrived in Chandigarh late at night and early in the morning by buses and private vehicles. A large number of employees also joined the rally with their families and pensioners.

Government accused of intimidating employees

Employee organizations alleged that before the rally, the state government had sought information from various districts about employees and active union leaders participating in the protest. The organizations claim that the purpose was to prevent employees from protesting.

Union leaders stated that the movement has the support of approximately 300,000 government employees and 400,000 pensioners and their families.

Why did 18 percent DA become an issue?

Employee leaders say that only 4 percent DA was released after the Aam Aadmi Party government came to power in March 2022, while 18 percent DA has been due since January 2023.

They say that while central government employees receive 60 percent DA, Punjab government employees receive only 42 percent DA.

This year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court overturned the state government’s decision to pay DA arrears in 42 installments. However, the state government has challenged this order in a division bench.

Rally disrupts government work

The functioning of several government offices across the state was disrupted. Employees from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the Revenue and Transport departments, government schools, Panjab University, Punjabi University, and government colleges also joined the protest, disrupting normal functioning in many offices.

Employee organizations stated that the protest was not limited to the 18 percent DA, but also against the government’s treatment of employees and pensioners. They warned that if their demands were not met, the situation could have repercussions for the upcoming elections.