PHAGWARA: In a significant development, the Punjab Education Tribunal has issued strict orders to seal the bank accounts and movable property of Kamla Nehru College for Women, Phagwara, after the institution failed to release the complete retirement dues of its former Office Superintendent-cum-Manager, Kuldeep Sharma.
According to information, Sharma retired from the college on July 31, 2021, after completing his service. Following retirement, he was entitled to pending salary, provident fund, gratuity, leave encashment, arrears and other financial benefits. However, despite repeated requests, the college management allegedly delayed and harassed him instead of releasing his rightful dues. After waiting for nearly a month, Sharma issued a legal notice to the college, but with no response from the authorities, he approached the Punjab Education Tribunal seeking justice.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the Tribunal on January 18, 2025, directed the college management to release the full outstanding amount within three months. In defiance of the order, the management released only a partial amount, ignoring the remaining dues. The retired employee was once again compelled to knock on the Tribunal’s door, reporting non-compliance.
Viewing the violation seriously, the Punjab Education Tribunal passed strict orders against the college authorities, including the President, General Secretary and Principal. The Tribunal directed that the college’s bank accounts and movable assets be sealed, further ordering that the remaining amount be paid with applicable interest. Following the directive, the concerned bank accounts have now been sealed as per court instructions.