Central service benefits for Chandigarh employees, says Amit Shah

The announcement invited sharp criticism from political parties in Punjab, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress party.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced that the service conditions of all the employees of Chandigarh administration will be aligned to that of central civil services.

The announcement invited sharp criticism from political parties in Punjab, including Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Congress party.

“..Today I want to give this good news to employees of the Chandigarh administration. From today, the service conditions of all employees of the Chandigarh administration will be aligned with the central civil services. This will bring big gains to the employees,” he said.

Mr. Shah was speaking after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of a slew of projects of Chandigarh Police here. With this decision, he said, the retirement age of the UT employees will increase from the existing 58 years to 60.

Taking a dig at Home Minister’s announcement, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema termed the decision a big blow to the rights of Punjab.

“MOH’s decision to impose Central government rules on employees of Chandigarh is in violation of the spirit of Punjab (Reorganisation) Act and must be reconsidered. This means denial of the right of Capital to Punjab forever. After changes in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) rules, this is another big blow to the rights of Punjab,” Mr. Cheema said.

Union Territory - Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.