Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema on Friday instructed the Finance and Education Departments to immediately hold a joint meeting to address the issues raised by the 180 Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) Adhyapak Association. He reiterated that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to resolving the genuine concerns of its employees in a timely manner. The direction followed a detailed consultative session at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, where association representatives presented their demands comprehensively.
During the meeting, the Finance Minister Harpal Cheema assured the delegation that their concerns would receive serious and time-bound attention. He stated that both departments have been directed to coordinate closely to ensure that all legitimate demands are addressed without unnecessary delay.
Harpal Cheema emphasized that the teachers were given ample opportunity to explain the administrative and professional challenges they are facing. He added that the government is carefully examining every aspect of their demands, including legal and financial considerations, to ensure that any decision taken is legally sound and financially sustainable.
Also read : Harjot Singh Bains Reviews ₹100 Crore Bridge Projects to Boost Punjab–Himachal Connectivity
Senior officials participated in the deliberations, including Special Secretary Finance Showkat Ahmed Parray, Additional Advocate General Ramandeep Singh Pandher, Special Secretary Personnel Upkar Singh, and Joint Secretary Education Harpreet Singh. The Minister Harpal Cheema highlighted that involving senior finance officials and the Advocate General’s office would help ensure a structured, transparent, and durable resolution.
Harpal Cheema Pushes for Lawful and Time-Bound Resolution
To speed up the process, Harpal Cheema directed the Education Department to promptly share all relevant case details with the Finance Department. He stressed that effective inter-departmental coordination is essential to reach a lawful and mutually agreeable solution, adding that there should be no administrative hurdles in addressing the teachers’ issues.
Reaffirming the government’s approach, the Finance Minister Harpal Cheema stated that the Mann Government remains fully committed to the welfare of its employees and will continue to prioritize constructive dialogue and lawful resolution. The meeting was attended by representatives of the 180 ETT Adhyapak Association, including President Kamal Thakur, along with Sohan Singh, Gurmukh Singh, and Gaurav Kant.