Patiala, Jan. 8 -- The Punjab health department has directed all drawing and disbursing officers (DDOs) across the state not to release arrears to employees and officers during financial year 2025-26 without obtaining prior sanction from higher authority, triggering huge resentment among staff.

According to official instructions, the department has already cautioned DDOs that if the release of arrears leads to any disruption in the disbursal of regular monthly salaries, the responsibility will rest solely with the DDOs concerned.

The directive has already been communicated to all civil surgeons in Punjab.

The order has sparked widespread anger among doctors and healthcare staff, many of whom have been waiting for their pending arrears ...