CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF DIWALI AND BANDI CHHOR DIWAS

*Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday extended his warm wishes to all the Punjabis living across the globe on the sacred occasion of the festival of lights- Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas.

Chandigarh, October 30:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday extended his warm wishes to all the Punjabis living across the globe on the sacred occasion of the festival of lights- Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas.

In his message, the Chief Minister said that since centuries Diwali- a festival of love and prosperity has been celebrated by us with utmost devotion and full religious zeal. He said that the sparkling lights of Diwali not only illuminate every household but it was also a symbol of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair. Bhagwant Singh Mann hoped that may Diwali once again bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the people besides strengthening the bonds of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood amongst them.

Likewise, the Chief Minister also greeted the entire countrymen especially the Sikh Panth on the historic 'Bandi Chhor Diwas'- to mark the release of 52 Hindu Princes from the Gwalior fort by Sixth Guru Sri Hargobind Sahib ji on the Diwali festival in year1612. He also appealed to the people to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas with traditional fervor and gaiety rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion thereby cementing the bonds of harmony, amity and goodwill. ‘May Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas bring peace and prosperity besides bountiful bliss to our people’, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.

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CM’s Diwali Bonanza to more than 6.50 lakh employees and pensioners of state government

Announces 4% hike in DA

Chandigarh, October 30:In a Diwali bonanza to families of more than 6.50 employees and pensioners of the state government, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced a hike of 4% in their Dearness allowance.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Chief Minister gave approval to give 4% Dearness Allowance (DA) to the employees and pensioners, with effect from November 1,2024 thereby enhancing it to 42% from 38%. Bhagwant Singh said that this decision will benefit more than 6.50 lakh employees, pensioners and their families. He said that the employees were a critical segment of the state administration and safeguarding their interests was the government’s top priority. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause and every effort is being made to ensure welfare of employees.