 Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, Feb 13: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday directed the Finance and Education Departments to convene an urgent joint meeting to address the concerns of the 180 Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) Adhyapak Association, reiterating that the Bhagwant Mann Government is committed to resolving the legitimate demands of its employees without delay. The directive came after a detailed consultative meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, where representatives of the association presented their case comprehensively.
Providing a patient and exhaustive hearing to the delegation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "The concerns raised by the 180 ETT Adhyapak Association deserve serious and time-bound consideration. I have directed the Finance and Education Departments to hold an urgent joint meeting so that all legitimate demands are settled without any further delay."
The Punjab Finance Minister stated, "During today's meeting, the teachers were given full opportunity to outline the specific administrative and professional hurdles they are facing. We have ensured that every aspect of their demands is examined carefully, including the legal and financial implications, so that the final decision is both legally sound and fiscally viable."
The meeting witnessed detailed deliberations by key government functionaries, including Special Secretary Finance Showkat Ahmed Parray, Additional Advocate General Ramandeep Singh Pandher, Special Secretary Personnel Upkar Singh and Joint Secretary Education Harpreet Singh. The Finance Minister underlined, "By integrating the expertise of the Advocate General's office and senior finance officers, we are ensuring that the path towards resolution is structured, transparent and sustainable."
To expedite the process, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema specifically instructed the Education Department to immediately share all relevant case details with the Finance Department. He said, "This inter-departmental coordination is the critical final step required to reach an amicable and lawful decision. There must be no administrative bottlenecks in resolving the issues of our teachers."
Reaffirming the government's stance, he added, "The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remains fully dedicated to the welfare of its employees. Constructive dialogue and lawful resolution will always be our approach." |
