Ludhiana, Oct. 22 -- The festive cheer of Diwali has been marred for many PSPCL employees and pensioners, who are facing financial strain due to the prolonged delay in the release of pending 16 percent dearness allowance and its installments, senior union leaders said on Tuesday. Additionally, expressing frustration over the non payment, union leaders have warned of a possible statewide protest if their dues are not cleared soon.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, Swaran Singh, president of the PSEB Employees Federation, said the delay has left employees and pensioners struggling despite repeated representations to the authorities. "Our appeals have not resulted in any concrete action. Many have faced financial difficulties during...