HC directs Punjab Govt to provide detailed report on advertisement spending since AAP's takeover
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed Punjab's Finance Secretary to provide detailed records of expenditures on print and electronic media advertisements since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government assumed office in 2022. The court also demanded information on the official and unofficial expenses incurred during the events organised by the state ministers and MLAs.
The directive came in response to complaints about the government's reluctance to release arrears owed to thousands of state employees under the Sixth Pay Commission. The Punjab and Haryana High Court expressed its displeasure, pointing out that while funds are readily available for advertisements, pensions and other dues remain unpaid.
The Sixth Pay Commission arrears, covering the period from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2021, have not been disbursed despite the High Court's clear orders in September last year to release the dues within three months. Following the government's inaction, employees filed contempt petitions against the state.
The Finance Secretary had earlier informed the court that disbursing these arrears would require Rs 18,000 crore and suggested the payments could only be made between the financial years 2029-30 and 2030-31. After the court criticised this timeline, the government revised it to 2027-28 and 2028-29. However, the High Court deemed even this unacceptable.
The High Court also referenced the Punjab Government’s failure to release funds to private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme while continuing to spend on advertisements. The HC had earlier attached the salaries of Punjab's Health Secretary and other officials for non-compliance in this matter.
The High Court has now ordered Punjab's Finance Secretary to present a comprehensive breakdown of the state’s spending on advertisements since the AAP came to power. The report must be submitted by December 18, the next date of hearing.
- PTC NEWS
