A local court in Punjab has taken strong action against the state education department for failing to pay arrears to a retired government school employee. In an unexpected but serious move, the court ordered the attachment of the government school building in Fatehgarh Sahib and also blocked the monthly salary of the district education officer. This decision came after repeated notices and no response from the authorities regarding the employee’s long-pending dues.
I chose to write on this topic because it directly highlights how badly some retired government employees are being treated, even after serving the system for decades. We often hear about reforms and promises made in education and administration, but stories like these show how those who’ve already given their service get ignored. The court’s strict order is not just a legal action—it’s a reflection of the frustration and helplessness faced by many. As someone who believes in fair treatment for all, I feel it’s important to speak about such issues publicly so that accountability doesn’t stay buried under red tape.
What the Court Ordered and Why
The case was filed by a retired employee who had been fighting for his dues for several years. The education department was repeatedly asked to settle the arrears, but no proper steps were taken. Finally, the court lost patience and ordered:
- Attachment of the government school building in Fatehgarh Sahib
- Blocking the salary of the District Education Officer (DEO) until full payment is made
- Seizure of funds related to office expenses, so that money owed to the employee can be recovered
The order clearly stated that if the payment is not made soon, the school property could even be auctioned.
How This Affects Students and Teachers
While the court’s decision is meant to enforce justice for the retired employee, it also raises concern about its impact on current students and teachers. If school properties are attached or sealed, daily operations like classes, mid-day meals, and exams can get disrupted.
There’s also a question of morale—if government teachers see that even retirement dues are not guaranteed, it creates a sense of insecurity. It’s not just about one person’s salary; it’s about the trust in the system.
Why the State Needs to Fix the System
This is not the first time a court has stepped in due to pending payments in the education department. Many cases remain buried for years, with elderly pensioners making rounds of offices just to get what they rightfully earned.
Here’s what the Punjab government should consider:
- Create a fixed timeline for pension and arrear clearance after retirement
- Set up grievance redressal cells with real power
- Hold officers accountable for delays in financial matters
- Introduce online tracking for pending dues and court orders
Public trust cannot be rebuilt unless officials are answerable and systems are improved.
Voices From the Ground
Some local education staff members said they were shocked when they heard that their office salary was being blocked. One teacher said, “We understand the court’s frustration, but the government must take quick action so that innocent staff and students don’t suffer.”
Parents too expressed concern. “We send our children to school thinking they will be safe and their learning won’t be interrupted. The government must ensure such disputes don’t reach this level,” said a parent from the area.
