Pending DA and arrears for state employees: CM Sukhu requests extension of deadline for payment

Solan, August 20: State employees are still awaiting payment of their pending dearness allowance (DA) and arrears. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has sought a timeline of 7 to 8 months to address these outstanding payments. The Chief Minister assured that the state’s economy is gradually improving, with a recovery of 20 per cent so far, which will enable the government to repay the dues when the situation stabilizes further.

During the celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of Jogindra Bank, Sukhu highlighted the current economic challenges facing the state government. “The people of the state are rich, but the government is poor,” he said, underlining the significant debt of several thousand crores of rupees on the government. Sukhu attributed this financial stress to the ineffective policies of the previous BJP government, which he believes contributed to the economic slowdown.

Sukhu also criticized the former administration’s approach towards subsidies, arguing that providing financial benefits to capable individuals has further strained the state’s economy. He called for more prudent financial management to ensure economic stability and recovery of the state.

In his address, Sukhu also discussed the situation of Jogindra Bank, which contributes Rs 7 crore to the Income Tax. He suggested that the bank should prioritise payment of DA and arrears to its employees and proposed a one-time settlement to exempt poor individuals from default while focusing on recovering significant amounts from high-value loan defaulters.

The Chief Minister’s remarks reflect the ongoing efforts by the State Government to address fiscal challenges and improve financial policies. Sukhu is committed to resolving the issues of DA and arrears and improving the economic health of the State despite the current financial constraints.