I worked as a Superintendent in an aided institution in Punjab for over thirty years and retired on 31-07-2021 afternoon. My last salary was (BP+DA) Rs. 80,074/-. However, the management did not grant the September 2020 increment and paid only seventy percent of the salary with the malafide intention of reducing the amount of gratuity and leave encashment. To date, they have not released a single rupee to me. In August 2021, I sent a legal notice demanding the release of my retiral dues. I handed over all confidential documents to the President of the Managing Committee and Joint Secretary in writing, keeping a copy for my records. I also passed on the charge to my junior Assistant in writing, providing details of all files in the almirah and handing over all keys to him in writing.
In response to my legal notice, they claimed to be in deficit and stated that they would first release gratuity to previously retired staff before my turn. They also falsely asserted that I had not handed over the charge, despite my documentation proving otherwise. I took the matter to the college tribunal in Punjab. Now, I seek your advice on whether I can approach the Labor Commissioner under the Payment of Gratuity Act and how soon I can expect to receive my gratuity. Upon my retirement, I was given a farewell party and presented with a citation for my services. However, the management diverted crores of rupees from the institution's reserve fund to other newly established institutions over the years, rarely recovering the money. I would appreciate your guidance on how to proceed.
Regards,
Kuldip Sharma