Punjab will fight against Centre's Chandigarh move, says Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Chandigarh, March 28:  Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday alleged that the Central Government had been stepwise deputing officers and personnel from other states and services in the Chandigarh Administration. "This goes against the letter and spirit of the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966. Punjab will fight strongly for its rightful claim over Chandigarh," he added. Notably, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced that the Chandigarh Administration employee's service conditions would be aligned to that of the Central Civil Services, The decision has not gone down well with Opposition parties. While the Aam Aadmi Party has accused the BJP of being "scared" of its "rising footprint", Congress leaders have also condemned the move and urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take action. [caption id="attachment_612777" align="aligncenter"] Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann[/caption] Also read | CM Bhagwant Mann announces doorstep ration delivery scheme in Punjab Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP leader alleged that from 2017 to 2022, the Congress ruled Punjab. "Union Home Minister Amit Shah didn't take away Chandigarh powers then. As soon as the AAP formed government in Punjab, Amit Shah took away Chandigarh's services. The BJP is scared of AAP rising footprint," tweeted Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Earlier, the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal had also opposed the Central government's decision. Earlier, the Punjab Civil Service Rules were applicable for Chandigarh employees, but on Sunday, Home Minister Amit Shah announced the Central Service Rules. A notification in this regard is expected anytime. [caption id="attachment_612778" align="aligncenter"] Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira (left) and SAD leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema[/caption] Newly elected MPs should oppose this decision: Congress Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira alleged that with this decision of the Central government, employees from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar would now come to Chandigarh instead of Punjab. He urged the newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs to oppose this "dictatorial decision of the Central Government". Also Read| Oscar 2022: India's documentary feature ‘Writing With Fire’ fails to bag Oscar as a result of this controversy Violation of Punjab Reorganisation Act: SAD SAD spokesperson Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said 60% Punjab and 40% Haryana employees were stationed in Chandigarh. "Such a dictatorial decision has been taken without any discussion with Punjab. It is a violation of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1978.  But how employees will benefit from decision With the implementation of the Central rules, Chandigarh employees here will definitely be in advantage. Now their retirement age will be 60 instead of 58. The probation period will also be one year instead of three years. Child care leave will also be two years instead of one year. The age limit for recruitment will now be 28 years instead of 37. -PTC News