28 Aug 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has claimed that government employees in the state are the highest-paid among government servants in India, saying Punjab provides significantly higher salaries than the Centre.
Mann Highlights Employee Salaries
Mann made the remarks while speaking about the state government’s approach to its employees, describing them as the backbone of Punjab’s administration.
He said the Punjab government pays its employees more than their counterparts under the Central government, highlighting salary and employee welfare as achievements of his administration.
Claim Comes Amid Employee Unrest
Mann’s statement comes at a time when Punjab government employees and pensioners have been raising several demands, including pending dearness allowance (DA), restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and regularisation of contractual employees.
Thousands of employees participated in a statewide protest, with government services disrupted in several parts of the state.
Salary and DA Disputes
While the government has highlighted employee salaries, unions have continued to press for payment of pending dues and resolution of pay-related issues.
The dispute has increasingly focused not only on basic salaries but also on allowances, arrears and the implementation of various employee-related commitments.
Recent Salary Hike for Adarsh School Teachers
The Punjab government has also recently approved a substantial salary increase for teachers working in Adarsh Schools.
Their monthly pay was raised from around Rs 10,000 to more than Rs 22,000, benefiting approximately 1,100 teachers.
Government Defends Its Employee Record
The Mann government has pointed to recruitment and salary-related measures as part of its broader employment agenda.
The state has also highlighted the appointment of thousands of young people to government positions, including recent recruitment in the Punjab Police.
Opposition Questions Government’s Claims
The government’s position has faced criticism from opposition parties, particularly over employee grievances and the state’s financial position.
The issue has become politically significant with the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, as employee unions represent a substantial constituency across government departments.
Punjab’s Financial Challenge
The debate over government salaries comes against the backdrop of Punjab’s fiscal pressures.
The state has continued to face concerns over debt and borrowing, with the government recently planning to raise another Rs 2,000 crore through fresh borrowing.