Sukhbir Badal promises release of all DA arrears if SAD forms Govt in 2027
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 4, 2026: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab of failing to honour commitments made to government employees and pledged sweeping relief measures if his party returns to power in 2027.
In a statement issued by the party, Badal said government employees who supported the AAP in the last Assembly elections are now feeling “cheated” due to unfulfilled promises, particularly regarding financial benefits and service conditions.
He alleged that assurances related to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), timely payment revisions and postings near employees’ hometowns have not materialised.
The SAD president announced that if the Shiromani Akali Dal forms the government in 2027, all pending Dearness Allowance (DA) arrears will be released immediately. He also promised the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, calling it a long-standing demand of employees across departments.
Badal further said that his party would introduce a transparent transfer policy to enable employees to be posted closer to their homes wherever possible, and ensure that future pay revisions are implemented on time. He claimed that during previous SAD governments, pay commissions were constituted and implemented to safeguard employee interests.
Criticising the current administration, he stated that the government has focused more on publicity than on resolving the concerns of its workforce, asserting that employees at the grassroots level continue to struggle for their rights.