Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], September 18 : AAP leader Manish Sisodia on Friday highlighted the government's approach of resolving grievances through open dialogue rather than police crackdowns or confrontation after the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced an 8% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA), raising the total allowance from 42% to 50%. 
In a post on X, Sisodia emphasised that whether in Delhi or Punjab, the AAP model prioritises worker welfare and respects public sector employees as key pillars of governance.
The decision, finalised during a high-level meeting between CM Mann and representatives from various employee and pensioner unions, breaks a weeks-long deadlock over pending pay and service-related demands.
"Heartfelt congratulations to millions of government employees and pensioners of Punjab! The government of Sardar @BhagwantMann has increased the dearness allowance from 42% to 50%. This 8% hike is not just a number—it's relief and respect for the families of employees. The most special thing about today's meeting was that the Chief Minister himself met with the employees' representatives, listened to their concerns, and took the decision. Instead of suppressing the movement, a solution was found through dialogue. This is the difference between old politics and the politics of the Aam Aadmi Party. Be it Delhi or Punjab, the model of AAP governments is the same. The government of the common man is not just in slogans, but visible in decisions. After education and health, this step for the rights of employees is part of that same vision.Hearty congratulations to Bhagwant Mann," said Manish Sisodia.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced an 8% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees following his meeting with employee and pensioner organizations, noting that the hike will be reflected in their October salary.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister mentioned that the state government is also deliberating on long-pending issues such as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), probation period salaries, and matters concerning ASHA and Mid-Day Meal workers.
He added that another meeting will be held in the first week of October to find permanent solutions to these long-standing issues. 
"Today, we held a very positive meeting with employee and pensioner organizations. Employees are an integral part of our family, and for their welfare, we have decided to immediately increase the Dearness Allowance (DA) by 8%. This hike will be reflected in the October salary. We also deliberated on long-pending issues inherited from previous governments, such as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), probation period salaries, and matters concerning ASHA and Mid-Day Meal workers. We will hold another meeting in the first week of October to find permanent solutions to these long-standing issues. There is no gap between our government and the employees; we will resolve every issue through mutual dialogue. We will continue to work together for the progress of Punjab and build a 'Rangla Punjab' (Vibrant Punjab). Long live the revolution!," said CM Mann.