Members of the Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF) Punjab are raising alarm over potential delays to salaries for government employees due to new mandates issued by the Finance Department of Punjab. The February salaries, which are traditionally processed using e-signatures, might now face unforeseen obstacles due to this recent directive.
On February 18, the Finance Department sent out notices to all District Treasury Officers, indicating a shift to processing employee salaries through the digital signatures of their Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs). This change, according to DTF leaders, requires DDOs to obtain Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) from Punjab Infotech, instead of utilizing the existing e-signature system.
Vikramdev Singh, the State President of DTF Punjab, expressed considerable concern about the ramifications of this shift. Alongside General Secretary Mahinder Kaurianwali and Finance Secretary Ashwani Awasthi, Singh highlighted the complexity of obtaining DSCs, which demands DDOs to submit applications, necessary documentation, and pay fees to the private entity Punjab Infotech.
The DTF leaders articulated their worries, stating, "Acquiring these DSCs can be both complicated and time-consuming, and could lead to significant delays in the disbursement of salaries for thousands of employees across Punjab." They emphasized the urgency of this issue, pointing out the potential for widespread protests should salaries not be processed on time.
"If the February salaries are not disbursed by the end of the month, we may see significant discontent and protests among government employees," warned Malkit Singh Haraj, the District President of DTF Ferozepur. The leaders made it clear they believe the government must act swiftly to prevent such outcomes.
DTF Punjab also criticized the move as privatization, questioning the decision to authorize Punjab Infotech, a private company, rather than utilizing existing resources within the government apparatus to handle the issuance of DSCs. They called for urgent action to revert to the previous e-signature method for salary processing
Further comments from the DTF leaders included demands for the Punjab government to facilitate the acquisition of DSCs through public-sector channels. "It is unacceptable to impose these costs on DDOs and complicate the salary disbursement process through private sector involvement," stated Singha.
The DTF has formally appealed to state officials to reconsider this directive, urging them to revert to the previous e-signature processing method to uphold timely salary payments for government employees. Their demands underline the increasing urgency for the government to address this challenge not only to prevent disruption but to maintain trust with its workforce.
This incident draws attention to broader issues of privatization and operational efficiency within government services, highlighting the delicate balance between modernizing procedures and ensuring public employees are not adversely affected.
DTF Punjab remains steadfast and focused on advocating for teachers and government employees alike, warning of possible protests if tangible actions are not taken to meet their demands for timely salary disbursement.