Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday directed the state Education Department to prioritize resolving the legitimate demands of the Unaided Staff Front (Aided Schools). The directive came during a series of meetings with employee unions, where Cheema emphasized the need to address the regularization of school office staff. He instructed the Officers’ Committee to consider this matter and submit a report within one month.

In addition, Cheema responded to concerns raised by the Murr Bahal Adhiyapak Union, directing the School Education Department to expedite the reinstatement process for sacked teachers and ensure that unjustified dismissals are sympathetically reconsidered. He also addressed the 2364 ETT Selected Adhiyapak Union’s demand to lift the ban on selecting stations of posting, informing them that the portal has been reopened for this purpose.

Furthermore, Cheema addressed the issues of Veterinary Officers, including concerns about their lower basic pay scale compared to Medical and Dental Officers and the demand for house rent allowances similar to those in the Health Department. He instructed officials from the Animal Husbandry Department to meet with the Finance Secretary to explore solutions and assess financial implications.

Additionally, Cheema directed the Director of Rural Development and Panchayats to establish committees at the block level to address concerns raised by the Gram Panchayat Water Supply Pump Operators Association and to submit a request to the central government to modify the qualifications required for their training.