Ministerial Staff Strike in Punjab & Chandigarh Tomorrow; Office Work to Halt

September 7, 2026

Chandigarh: The dispute between the Punjab government and its employees appears to be escalating. The Sajha Mulazim Manch (Joint Employees’ Forum) has announced plans to intensify its agitation against the government. According to the organization, ministerial staff across Punjab will go on mass leave and halt work on September 8, while employees in Chandigarh and Mohali will stage hunger strikes outside their offices.

Government Ultimatum Expires

Sukhchain Singh Khaira, President of the Sajha Mulazim Manch, stated that employees had given the government until September 7 to withdraw the contentious letter that has sparked resentment among the staff. He noted that despite the deadline passing, the government has not yet withdrawn the letter.

In protest, the union has decided to hold a demonstration on September 8, as previously planned. The mass leave taken by clerical and ministerial staff is likely to disrupt the routine functioning of government offices.

Hunger Strike Against Attack on Mohanjit Singh

The employees’ organization is also protesting the attack on Mohanjit Singh in Sangrur. Staff members will observe a one-day hunger strike at directorates in Chandigarh, government offices in Mohali, the Punjab Civil Secretariat, and FCR offices.

During the protest, employees will express their dissent by wearing black clothes or black armbands. The union has appealed for the protest to be conducted in a peaceful and disciplined manner.

Team Formed to Monitor the Strike

To ensure the strike is effective, the union has constituted a special monitoring team comprising retired employees. This team will visit various government offices on September 8 to assess the situation regarding the strike.

All employee organizations have been tasked with ensuring maximum participation from their respective departments. Khaira claimed that the employees’ unions remain united in their demands.

Rally by ASHA Workers in Mohali

A rally will also be held in Mohali on the same day by the ‘Man-Bhatta Workers Sajha Morcha’ (Joint Front of Honorarium-based Workers). Participants will include ASHA workers, facilitators, mid-day meal workers, and sanitation staff.

According to employee leader Jarmanjit Singh, the rally aims to present the workers’ demands to the government. The Democratic Employees Federation has announced its support for the rally and has urged the government to bring these workers under the ambit of the minimum wage structure without delay.