Imagine the unexplained joy you feel when you are paid double. Then imagine the frustration when you are explained that it was due to a technical glitch. This happened to thousands of Punjab government employees when “double salary” was credited to their account for October. The unaware employees thought it was their Diwali bonus.

The district treasurer officer AK Maini was quick to respond by sending notices to all the government head offices stating it was a technical glitch and one salary would be taken back. Salary was credited on November 3rd, and Reserve Bank of India blocked the accounts all the employees next day. Bank accounts of all employees were blocked whether single or double entry was made in their accounts. Most of the employees found insufficient funds and were not able to withdraw money on Sunday.

AK Maini said to Hindustan Times that employees were told not to withdraw the second salary and one salary would be taken back by the treasury department within a day. He added that excess payment worth 40 to 50 crore was distributed at Amritsar district alone.

According to Punjab News Express, after double entry of the salaries, the Punjab government has insufficient funds in the treasury. Employees are unable to withdraw money as accounts are still blocked.

The Logical Indian Take

Employees faced a quirky situation with sudden monetary gain and unexpected lapse during festival season and later all of their bank accounts were blocked. The joys of the festive season came to a standstill for many employees because of this technical glitch. Some would find humour in this situation but many families might not have done their Diwali shopping. We hope their accounts are unblocked soon.

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